Before Thursday’s game against the Celtics, Suns star Kevin Durant acknowledged his position in the league. At 35 years old, the future Hall of Famer is still performing at his best. But he knows who’s coming up next.
“I’ve been in this league a long time now, I know when it’s a passing of the guard,’ Durant said.
Durant was referring to Jayson Tatum, but it could also apply to Jaylen Brown. On Thursday night, the Celtics’ stars once again demonstrated why this should be their time.
Brown got 37 points, Tatum contributed 26, and the Celtics, playing without Kristaps Porzingis, dominated the Suns. They were especially successful at making 3-point shots. Al Horford even outscored Durant as the Celtics secured their fourth straight win and second victory over the Suns in a week with a 127-112 blowout at TD Garden.
Horford turned back the clock with 24 points, matching a career high with six 3-pointers as the Celtics overwhelmed the Suns by tying a season high with 25 3-pointers. Durant scored 20 points for the Suns, but only five after a 15-point first quarter, while Devin Booker had 23 points, Bradley Beal had 22 and Grayson Allen chipped in 20. Despite the Suns having four 20-point scorers, the Celtics still won by 15.