BOSTON, March 26 (UPI) -- A 30-point effort from Kevin Garnett Wednesday allowed Boston to down Phoenix 117-97, the Celtics' first win over the Suns in six tries.
Boston increased its lead over Detroit to six games in their battle for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Paul Pierce scored 27 points and Kendrick Perkins had 13 for the Celtics, who avoided what would have been only their second three-game losing streak of the season. Boston had dropped back-to-back games against New Orleans and Philadelphia.
Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 32 points, but the Suns managed only 40 points during the second half and lost their second straight.
Shaquille O'Neal scored 16 points and Steve Nash had 12.
Boston began to pull away with a 9-2 run in the third period and took an 11-point lead into the final quarter.
Phoenix went cold during the final period and its starters were taken out of the game with five minutes left.
