Following the Celtics’ clean sweep against the Suns last week, it’s time to reassess the aftermath of the Kevin Durant trade speculation.
On Thursday evening, the Boston Celtics secured their playoff berth with a resounding 127-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden, marking their league-leading 52nd win of the season.
Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis and playing their third game in four nights, Boston delivered a convincing performance on home turf, completing a clean sweep of the season series against Phoenix with a 2-0 record.
Suns star Kevin Durant commented on the challenge posed by Boston’s versatile lineup, particularly praising their ability to spread the floor and capitalize on outside shooting opportunities.
Al Horford stepped up for Boston in Porzingis’ absence, contributing a season-high 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting (including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc) against Phoenix.
The Celtics collectively shot 25-of-50 from three-point range, marking a season-high in opponent makes and attempts for the Suns.
The connection between Durant and the Celtics has long been a topic of speculation, with various narratives surrounding their potential partnership, including Danny Ainge’s early interactions with Durant’s family and Kyrie Irving’s involvement in recruiting Durant to Brooklyn.
Following Durant’s trade request from the Brooklyn Nets, the Celtics emerged as contenders for his services, sparking widespread debate among fans and analysts about the potential blockbuster trade involving Jaylen Brown.
Ultimately, Durant landed in Phoenix at the 2022-2023 trade deadline, significantly altering the Suns’ roster and championship aspirations. In contrast, the Celtics opted to retain their core players, such as Brown, and make strategic roster adjustments, including the acquisition of Porzingis.
Reflecting on the divergent paths chosen by the Celtics and Suns regarding Durant, it’s evident that both franchises pursued distinct strategies to achieve their championship goals.
While the Suns made bold moves to assemble a star-studded lineup, including Durant and Bradley Beal, the Celtics prioritized maintaining roster depth while adding key pieces to enhance their competitiveness.
The outcome underscores the significance of strategic decision-making and the enduring impact of pivotal trade negotiations in shaping the trajectory of NBA franchises.