The Suns had been shining, even without veteran star Chris Paul – so getting him back for a potential NBA finals preview against Boston seemed perfect.
Not so fast, my friend.
The Celtics sent a statement to the rest of the league, showing they’re the No.1 contender for the crown in 2022/23, after a 125-98 demolition on the road in Phoenix.
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Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were dominant, both scoring 25 points to go with Brown’s seven rebounds.
Former Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon was also strong off the bench, appearing for 19 minutes and scoring 16 points on an impressive 7/9 from the field.
The Celtics now have the best record in the NBA, sitting at 21-5, three more wins than their nearest rival – the Bucks.
During Paul’s first game back since he suffered a heel injury on November 7, the 37-year-old struggled in his 24 minutes, recording four points, four rebounds and four assists.
Elsewhere, Nets gun Kyrie Irving made a statement writing “I AM FREE Thank you God … I AM” and “logo here” in gold marker on his shoes which had black tape covering Nike’s logo.
Irving was dropped by Nike two days ago, after his relationship with the company was suspended after he tweeted a link to a film which contained antisemetic content.
The Nets were able come away with a 122-116 win over the Charlotte Hornets, who sit 13th in the Eastern Conference.
Kevin Durant and Irving combined for a mouth-watering 62 points, while Charlotte’s duo of Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Junior did their best to keep pace, scoring 57 combined.
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Brooklyn took their place in fourth, overcoming the Atlanta Hawks who were beat 113-89 in a comfortable win for the ninth seed New York Knicks.
Big man Julius Randle ran the show, scoring 34 points and recording a ridiculous 17 rebounds at Madison Square Garden.
“It was a monster game. I love the way he played,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said to AP.
“When he plays like that, we’re going to be tough to beat.”
The Hawks were without regular starters John Collins and De’Andre Hunter in the loss, which saw them slump to five defeats in their last seven appearances.
Elsewhere, both Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn’t take the court in a loss to the Raptors (126-113).
James sat out due to ankle soreness while Davis cited flue-like symptoms that aren’t related to Covid-19.
German point guard Dennis Schroder did his best to carry the Lakers with 18 points, but was no match for the Raptors trio of Pascal Siakam, O.G Anunoby and Fred VanVleet who all tallied over 20 points.
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Toronto forward Scottie Barnes also scored 13 points to go with 17 rebounds.
The Orlando Magic, who sit dead last in the Eastern Conference, were able to get the best of the Los Angeles Clippers, who currently sit 9th in the west.
The first pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, Paolo Banchero continued showing his scoring prowess, tallying 23 points and five rebounds while centre Mo Wagner recorded 13 boards and 20 points.
Centre Bol Bol, who averaged only 5.8 minutes for the Denver Nuggets last season was once again impressive — scoring 20 points with nine rebounds.
The Utah Jazz also secured a last-gasp victory over the Golden State Warriors, despite Jordan Poole’s stunning display.
The dynamic guard scored 36 points and recorded eight assists, while Jonathan Kuminga scored 24 points off the bench.
Utah starting five all scored over 10 points, with Jordan Clarkson playing 37 minutes for his 22 points as the Jazz sit sixth in the Western Conference.
