Boston Celtics 103, Phoenix Suns 110

I hate to use the word “statement” to describe a game, because every game is a statement. Yet some wins during the NBA season are indeed bigger than others.

And every once in a great while, a victory comes along that means even more: A defining win.

Over the past two seasons, how often have the Suns lost to the elite teams? More than I care to count. Ever since the start of the fated 2007-2008 season, disappointment has become as familiar as the Gorilla for Suns fans. Which is why last night’s victory over the mighty Celtics was indeed defining. Somehow pulling off the improbable, the Suns not only handed the Celts their lone defeat of the season (in their house, no less), but also did what even the most die-hard Suns fanatic considered a remote possibility before the game: They controlled the game from start to finish. The Suns won by playing their game – fast-break offense – and by showing the kind of grit and defensive intensity and rebounding one normally associates with Boston.

Perhaps more important than such startling signs of balance on a team long-malingered for its reliance on offense, is that this game shouted that the Phoenix Suns are once again a dangerous team. The widely-held assumption heading into this season was that they were no longer capable of winning like they did in the D’Antoni Era, either because Nash and Hill are too old, or because the elite teams have surpassed the Suns. Throw those thoughts into the garbage can, at least for now, because this 110-104 victory over the Celtics was no fluke.

The reasons were all on display last night: A rejuvenated Nash, Hill, Amare, and J-Rich; effective coaching, and, the continued emergence of the Suns’ bench. Nash outplayed Rajon Rondo for once, registering 16 pts and 12 dimes to Rondo’s 14-11. J-Rich shot out of his mind, making 6 of 7 threes and an assortment of clutch jumpers to tally 35 points (and netting 10 boards). He also played great D on one of the Suns’ true nemeses of the past few years, Ray Allen, who was held to 16 points. As for Amare, he was the Amare of old – aggressive, fearless, and efficient on the offensive end with 22 points and seven boards. He hasn’t looked this good since last season prior to the eye injury, which is very welcome news for Suns fans.

Contrary to expectations, Alvin Gentry has managed to get his Suns playing defense with palpable intensity and focus. The team also currently holds the rank of 10th-best rebounding squad in the league. No one, this writer included, fathomed that such a thing was possible even two weeks ago. A hint of the Suns’ new emphasis on boards came in the first half, when they out-rebounded the bigger Celtic front line of Perkins, Wallace and KG (though the Celts did win the rebounding battle by the end of the game).

The bench, especially Dragic, Amundson, and Dudley, made a huge impact against Boston. Dragic continues to show much improvement in his jumper but it’s his fight and defense that were most noticeable. Dragic battled relentlessly  for rebounds and steals including one memorable wrestling match with the much bigger Kendrick Perkins. And, Dragic’s command of the offense looks so much better than last season that he’s already able to spell Nash for longer stretches; indeed, Dragic led two surges that extended leads against the surprised-looking Celts.

Dudley, who went to nearby Boston College and is well known to Boston’s basketball fans, put on a defensive show. I can’t remember a game in which a Suns player had such an impact on defense. His timely steals, anticipation for plays, and man-to-man D on Paul Pierce brought to mind none other than Bruce Bowen. I mean that as a compliment, hard as it is, but even Celtics coach Doc Rivers had this to say about Dudley: “It’s rare when I’ll say, ‘Keep Grant Hill on the floor,’ but we wanted him on the floor instead of Dudley.”

Not everything went the Suns’ way. Though they led throughout the last three quarters, the Celts threatened repeatedly in the 4th quarter with mini-runs. Pierce, clearly frustrated with the Suns’ aggressive D, threw a hard elbow into Nash’s face while purposely charging into #13 during one drive to the hoop. Nash was sent violently into the hardwood and looked dazed, but with characteristic toughness, shook off the blow and went on to hit the game’s biggest bucket with 0:51 remaining in the fourth quarter, a dagger of a three that sent the Celts fans out of the stands early.

With this win, the Suns not only shook off that distasteful drubbing they received in Orlando, but also revived hopes that this team may be special, in the same way that the 2004-2005 team was special. It was only one game, and if Gilbert Arenas goes off tomorrow for 50 points things will certainly feel less rosy, but the win over Boston will go a long way toward defining what the Suns are capable of if they continue to play with hunger and passion.

And, I believe they have a shot to be better than before – before Shaq, that is. It may be folly to suggest such a thing after only 6 games this season, but so far the Suns have handed Miami and Boston their only losses, all while on a road trip that many figured would be a brutal test. It has indeed been a brutal test, but more so for KG and D-Wade than for a certain 35-year-old point guard and his “washed up” Suns.