Suns Edge Celtics In Overtime Thriller As Durant Drops 40

Suns Edge Celtics In Overtime Thriller As Durant Drops 40...

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Boston Celtics 128-125 in overtime Wednesday night in a potential NBA Finals preview that lived up to its billing. Kevin Durant scored 40 points, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:12 left in OT, as the Suns snapped Boston's nine-game winning streak.

The nationally televised matchup between the Western Conference-leading Suns (42-12) and Eastern Conference powerhouse Celtics (41-13) drew massive viewership on TNT. Social media erupted with highlights of Durant's clutch shooting and Jayson Tatum's 38-point response for Boston.

This marks Phoenix's first win over Boston since 2021, ending a five-game skid against the Celtics. The game gained extra significance as both teams entered as top championship contenders, with sportsbooks listing them as co-favorites to win the title.

Devin Booker added 29 points for Phoenix, while Jaylen Brown contributed 32 for Boston. The Celtics had a chance to tie at the buzzer, but Derrick White's three-point attempt rimmed out. Phoenix improved to 6-0 in overtime games this season.

NBA fans flooded Twitter with reactions to the marquee matchup, making "Suns vs Celtics" a top trending topic. Many praised the game's playoff intensity despite it being a February regular-season contest. The teams don't meet again unless they advance to the Finals.

Phoenix coach Monty Williams called it "one of those special regular-season games that tests your character." Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged defensive lapses but said, "This is exactly the type of game we need to prepare for the playoffs."

The Suns continue their road trip Friday at Milwaukee, while the Celtics host Philadelphia on Saturday in another high-profile Eastern Conference showdown.