Without both Al Horford and Marcus Morris when Wednesday night’s game began, and without Aron Baynes after 90 seconds thanks to a broken hand, the Celtics were somewhat up against it to open a four-game homestand. The odds were still in their favor, but they’d needed serious heroics to win in Phoenix last month and — 7-24 record or not — the Suns came in winners of three straight.
To be beaten by 19 points in the final three quarters, though? To be outrebounded 56-37 overall and to give up 21 offensive boards, the most they’ve allowed in a game in more than two years?