The Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns, two franchises steeped in rich NBA history, often represent contrasting narratives. The Celtics, with their unparalleled 18 NBA championships, embody sustained excellence and a legacy of dominance. The Suns, while possessing a passionate fanbase and periods of significant success, are still in pursuit of their first championship. When these two teams clash, it’s a meeting of different eras and aspirations, offering intriguing matchups and competitive regular-season battles.
This article delves into the historical context of the Celtics vs Suns rivalry, their head-to-head record, key players from both sides, recent memorable encounters, and what fans can expect when these two powerhouses meet on the hardwood.
A Glimpse into the Past: Head-to-Head History
While the Celtics vs Suns don’t share the storied, deep-seated rivalry of, say, the Celtics and Lakers, their encounters have often been competitive and showcase different eras of NBA basketball.
The 1976 NBA Finals: A Classic Encounter
The 1976 NBA Finals pitted the established Boston Celtics, led by Hall of Famers Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White, against the underdog Phoenix Suns, who had made an improbable run to the championship series. The series went to six games, culminating in the iconic triple-overtime Game 5, often hailed as the “greatest game ever played.”
In that legendary Game 5, the Celtics emerged victorious 128-126 in triple overtime, a game filled with clutch shots, controversial calls, and sheer exhaustion from both sides. Despite the Suns pushing it to Game 6, the Celtics ultimately closed out the series, winning their 13th NBA championship. Jo Jo White was named the series MVP. This series forever etched the Celtics-Suns rivalry into the annals of NBA history, albeit as a one-time Finals affair.
All-Time Regular Season Record
The Boston Celtics hold a historical edge over the Phoenix Suns in regular season matchups. As of the end of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Boston Celtics have a 79-60 all-time regular season record against the Phoenix Suns. This indicates a slight historical advantage for the Celtics, reflecting their overall sustained success throughout the league’s history.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchups (2023-2025 Seasons)
In recent seasons, particularly with both teams featuring high-level talent, the Celtics-Suns games have been highly anticipated and often delivered thrilling contests.
2023-24 NBA Season: Celtics Sweep the Suns
March 10, 2024 (Phoenix): Boston Celtics 117, Phoenix Suns 107
March 14, 2024 (Boston): Boston Celtics 127, Phoenix Suns 112
2024-25 NBA Season: Celtics Continue Their Streak
The 2024-25 season continued the trend, with the Celtics once again winning both matchups:
March 26, 2025 (Phoenix): Boston Celtics 132, Phoenix Suns 102
April 4, 2025 (Boston): Boston Celtics 123, Phoenix Suns 103
The April 4, 2025 game was particularly notable as the Celtics made NBA history, breaking the single-season record for most three-pointers made by a team. Payton Pritchard hit the record-breaking three-pointer in that game. This game also saw strong performances from Jaylen Brown (31 points) and Jayson Tatum (23 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) for the Celtics.
These recent results show a clear advantage for the Celtics in their regular-season encounters, often showcasing their depth and offensive efficiency against the Suns.
Key Players: The Pillars of Each Franchise
The Celtics-Suns matchups are often defined by the star power on both sides.
Boston Celtics: The “Jays” and the Supporting Cast
The Boston Celtics are built around their dynamic duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Jayson Tatum: A perennial All-NBA forward, Tatum is the primary offensive engine for the Celtics. His ability to score from all three levels, facilitate for teammates, and rebound at a high clip makes him a constant threat. He often leads the team in points, rebounds, and sometimes assists.
Jaylen Brown: An explosive wing, Brown provides elite athleticism, strong scoring, and increasingly impactful defense. His ability to attack the rim and hit clutch shots complements Tatum perfectly.
Kristaps Porziņģis: Acquired in the 2023 offseason, Porziņģis adds a unique dimension with his size, shooting, and rim protection. When healthy, he stretches the floor and creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
Derrick White: A versatile guard known for his clutch play, defensive tenacity, and improved three-point shooting. White is a vital two-way player who consistently makes winning plays.
Jrue Holiday: A veteran point guard, Holiday brings championship experience, elite perimeter defense, and reliable playmaking. His presence elevates the Celtics’ defensive identity.
Al Horford: The veteran big man provides leadership, defensive versatility, and intelligent passing, often playing a crucial role off the bench or as a starting center.
The Celtics’ strength lies in their well-rounded starting five and deep bench, allowing them to adjust to various defensive schemes and maintain high offensive efficiency.
Phoenix Suns: The “Big Three”
The Phoenix Suns’ strategy revolves around their star trio, often referred to as the “Big Three” or “Big Two” depending on the lineup.
Devin Booker: The dynamic shooting guard is a prolific scorer with an elite mid-range game and improving playmaking. Booker is often the primary offensive initiator for the Suns, capable of taking over games with his scoring outbursts.
Kevin Durant: One of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Durant brings unparalleled offensive versatility, able to score from anywhere on the court. His length, shooting, and defensive presence make him a superstar force.
Bradley Beal: Acquired in 2023, Beal is another high-volume scorer who can create his own shot and distribute. When healthy, he adds another dimension to the Suns’ offensive attack, though his fit and injury history have been points of discussion.
Supporting players like Grayson Allen (elite three-point shooting), Jusuf Nurkic (rebounding and physicality), and Bol Bol (unique length and flashes of skill) are crucial to the Suns’ success. The challenge for the Suns often lies in integrating their star power and ensuring defensive cohesion.
The Future of the Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Celtics and Suns are both franchises with high aspirations. The Celtics are perennial championship contenders, consistently at or near the top of the Eastern Conference. Their core of Tatum, Brown, Porziņģis, White, and Holiday positions them for sustained success.
The Suns, meanwhile, are committed to their “Big Three” strategy, aiming to maximize their championship window with experienced superstar talent. Their success hinges on the health and chemistry of Booker, Durant, and Beal, as well as the depth and defensive capabilities of their supporting cast.
While they only meet twice a year in the regular season, each Celtics-Suns game remains a barometer for both teams. They are high-stakes contests that often feature elite individual performances and offer a glimpse into potential playoff strategies. As long as both franchises remain competitive, the Celtics-Suns matchup will continue to be a must-watch event for NBA fans, showcasing the contrasting but compelling paths two proud franchises take in their pursuit of basketball glory.
FAQs
When was the last time the Celtics played the Suns?
The most recent game between the Celtics and Suns was on April 4, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, where the Celtics defeated the Suns 123-103. The Celtics made NBA history in this game by breaking the single-season record for most three-pointers made by a team.
Have the Celtics and Suns ever met in the NBA Finals?
Yes, the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns met in the 1976 NBA Finals. The Celtics won the series 4-2, with Jo Jo White being named the Finals MVP. Game 5 of that series is widely considered one of the greatest games in NBA history, going to triple overtime
What are some memorable moments from Celtics vs. Suns games?
Beyond the legendary 1976 NBA Finals Game 5, recent memorable moments include the Celtics breaking the single-season 3-point record against the Suns on April 4, 2025. Individual matchups, particularly between Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker, or Kevin Durant’s scoring against the Celtics’ defense, often provide exciting highlights.
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