Celtics Hold Off Suns for 120-112 Victory
Monday, March 16, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · TD Garden
Boston Celtics 120, Phoenix Suns 112, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics?
Boston Celtics beat Phoenix Suns 120-112 at TD Garden on March 16, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Suns vs Boston Celtics?
Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -375 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Boston Celtics secured a 120-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on March 16, 2026. This win marked the Celtics' third consecutive victory over the Suns this season, extending their series lead to 3-0. Boston's strong home record of 45-23 remains a key factor in their success, while the Suns, now at 39-29, continue to battle for playoff positioning.
The Celtics entered the game with a recent home record of 6-4 over their last ten games, with their scoring average at 110.1 points per game while allowing 103.8. They had just come off a win against the Washington Wizards, where they triumphed 111-100. In their last five games, Boston averaged 111.6 points scored and allowed 105.4 points, showcasing their ability to maintain a solid offensive output while tightening their defense.
On the other hand, the Suns also held a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss to the Toronto Raptors, where they fell 115-122. Phoenix averaged 108.4 points scored and 106.6 points allowed during this stretch. Their recent form has seen them average 119.2 points scored in their last five games, indicating a potent offensive capability, though they have struggled defensively.
Both teams faced injury concerns leading up to the game. Boston's Jayson Tatum was listed as day-to-day with a knee issue, while the Suns had CJ Huntley and Mark Williams both listed as day-to-day due to hamstring and foot injuries, respectively. The status of these players was a point of interest as the game approached, potentially impacting both teams' strategies.
The betting market had the Celtics favored by 8.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 216.5. The moneyline reflected Boston's strong home advantage, priced at -375, while the Suns were listed at +295, indicating a significant gap in perceived chances of winning.
The game conditions were set in front of a home crowd at TD Garden, which has been a fortress for the Celtics this season. Fans were treated to a close game, with multiple lead changes and a competitive atmosphere throughout.
Key moments in the fourth quarter included Jaylen Brown's critical free throws and a pivotal 8-foot pullup jump shot that helped the Celtics maintain their lead. As the game drew to a close, Jayson Tatum also contributed with free throws that sealed the victory for Boston.
Overall, the Celtics' ability to execute in critical moments allowed them to fend off the Suns, who fought hard but ultimately fell short. The result not only solidifies Boston's dominance over Phoenix this season but also keeps them firmly in the playoff picture as the regular season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | BOS -8.5 | 216.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Suns +295 · Boston Celtics -375 |
Injury report
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
- CJ HuntleyDay-To-DayHamstringPhoenix Suns
- Mark WilliamsDay-To-DayFootPhoenix Suns
Leaders
- PointsJaylen Brown41Boston Celtics
- AssistsJaylen Brown6Boston Celtics
- ReboundsJaylen Brown7Boston Celtics
- PointsDevin Booker40Phoenix Suns
- AssistsOso Ighodaro8Phoenix Suns
- ReboundsJalen Green7Phoenix Suns
Recent form
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 6-4Streak W1110.1 scored · 103.8 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W111-100vs Washington WizardsMar 14
- L102-104at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 13
- L116-125at San Antonio SpursMar 11
- W109-98at Cleveland CavaliersMar 8
- W120-100vs Dallas MavericksMar 7
- L89-118vs Charlotte HornetsMar 5
- W108-81at Milwaukee BucksMar 3
- W114-98vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 2
- W148-111vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 28
- L84-103at Denver NuggetsFeb 26
Phoenix Suns
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1108.4 scored · 106.6 allowed per game3-1 away
- L115-122at Toronto RaptorsMar 13
- W123-108at Indiana PacersMar 12
- W129-114at Milwaukee BucksMar 11
- W111-99vs Charlotte HornetsMar 9
- W118-116vs New Orleans PelicansMar 7
- L103-105vs Chicago BullsMar 6
- W114-103at Sacramento KingsMar 4
- W113-110vs Los Angeles LakersFeb 27
- L81-97vs Boston CelticsFeb 25
- L77-92vs Portland Trail BlazersFeb 23
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
Box score
| Stat | Phoenix Suns | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 37-83 | 39-80 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 13-40 | 17-40 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 43 |
| Free throws | 25-29 | 25-27 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 93 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 38 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 31 |
| Assists | 26 | 31 |
| Steals | 7 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 10 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 40 |
| Fouls | 20 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 21 | 73 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter82-88Payton Pritchard makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter84-88Jordan Goodwin makes 11-foot two point shot (Devin Booker assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-88Devin Booker makes 18-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter86-91Payton Pritchard makes 30-foot three point jumper (Neemias Queta assists)
- 4th Quarter86-92Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-93Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-96Payton Pritchard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter87-96Grayson Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-96Jalen Green makes dunk (Haywood Highsmith assists)
- 4th Quarter91-96Jalen Green makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Grayson Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter91-98Derrick White makes driving layup (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter94-98Haywood Highsmith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Grayson Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter94-99Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-100Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-100Devin Booker makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Oso Ighodaro assists)
- 4th Quarter97-100Haywood Highsmith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-100Haywood Highsmith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-102Jaylen Brown makes 18-foot fade away jump shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter101-102Haywood Highsmith makes 26-foot three point jumper (Oso Ighodaro assists)
- 4th Quarter101-104Jaylen Brown makes driving layup (Derrick White assists)
- 4th Quarter102-104Haywood Highsmith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-104Haywood Highsmith makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-104Oso Ighodaro makes dunk (Jalen Green assists)
- 4th Quarter107-104Devin Booker makes driving layup (Jordan Goodwin assists)
- 4th Quarter107-105Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-106Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-106Jordan Goodwin makes 23-foot three point jumper (Devin Booker assists)
- 4th Quarter110-107Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter110-108Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-108Jordan Goodwin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-110Jayson Tatum makes running layup (Jaylen Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter111-112Jaylen Brown makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter111-113Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-114Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-116Jaylen Brown makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter112-116Devin Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-117Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-118Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-119Jayson Tatum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter112-120Jayson Tatum makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Boston Celtics, below favours Phoenix Suns.
Venue
- TD GardenBoston, MA
- Attendance19156
- OfficialsJosh Tiven, Mark Lindsay, Ashley Moyer-Gleich
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