Celtics have their way in rare win over Suns

BOSTON -- The Phoenix Suns saw the best of the Eastern Conference in back-to-back games.

The verdict?

“It’s a toss-up,” Phoenix guard Steve Nash said Wednesday night after the Boston Celtics beat the Suns, 117-97, two days after they lost to the Detroit Pistons. “Both terrific teams; two of the favorites, that’s for sure.”

Kevin Garnett scored 30 points, sinking the final two to an “M-V-P!” chant, and Paul Pierce had 12 of his 27 in the fourth quarter to help the Celtics stop a two-game losing streak.

The Celtics beat Phoenix for the first time in their last six meetings and only the third time since 2001, improving to 24-5 this season against the Western Conference.

Rajon Rondo scored 14 points with six rebounds and six assists while pestering Shaquille O’Neal into a technical foul as Boston turned a tie game into a double-digit lead in the third.

Amare Stoudemire scored 32 and O’Neal had 16 with seven rebounds for the Suns, who lost their second in a row after a seven-game winning streak.

Garnett was 12 for 19 from the field, showing his repertoire of baby hooks and short-range fallaways. He was also six for six on free throws.