In keeping with their usual strategy for the 2023–24 regular season, the Boston Celtics dominated the Phoenix Suns early and often from behind the 3-point arc.

Boston, which leads the league by a significant margin in 3-point attempts per game (42.2), made 15 of 39 shots from beyond the arc against Phoenix, for a 38.5 percent clip.

Six Celtics in all made at least one three-pointer, with Jayson Tatum making a team-high five of them.

Speaking to the media following the game, Suns star forward Kevin Durant praised the Celtics’ 3-point-heavy strategy, as caught by CLNS Media.

“If you can’t just catch and shoot, you’ve got to find out where your shots (are) gonna come from. They get up 40–50 threes a night and stay home a lot on threes as well. They have a good plan in place, and it’s the kind where, even if they play poorly at first, things will work out in the end for them. I believe that’s what occurred.”

Even though Durant shot 18 of 26 from the floor and scored 45 points, the Suns, who were missing star player Devin Booker, were unable to overcome the deficit.

Additional Reading

Isaiah Thomas Explains His Various Reasons for Wanting to Join the G League Again

Warriors’ ‘Disrespect’ Is Jaylen Brown’s Only Source of Fuel Sunday

“The NBA’s Greatest Team”: Luka Doncic Awed by Celtics’ Equilibrium

The Evolution of Jaylen Brown Is Essential to the Celtics’ Goal of Winning with More Than Talent

Celtics Accept Challenge to Outperform Most Skillful

‘It’s a Process,’ Jayson Tatum Says About Sacrificing in the Celtics’ Title Pursuit

“So Be It”: Jayson Tatum Never Focused on the MVP Case, Which Is Probably Closed

Brad Stevens Talks About the Celtics’ Strategy for the Last Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Talks About How Boston Shaped Him and His Advice for Celtics Supporters

Experience Shapes Celtic Maturity: “It Builds, Like, an Armor”

Brown, Jaylen Dispelling Skeptics and Confirming His Lifelong Belief: “Gain Everyone’s Trust” Discussing identity and the evolution of the Celtics offense, Joe Mazzulla says, “Balance of Pace and Execution.”