BOSTON, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Back-to-back baskets by Jared Dudley late in the third period Friday ignited a 12-point Phoenix run and lifted the Suns to a 79-71 win over Boston.
The Celtics lost for the sixth time in seven games and, without point guard Rajon Rondo, turned in their lowest point total of the season. Phoenix has won two straight on the heels of a five-game losing streak and improved to 2-2 on a five-game road trip that ends Monday in Dallas.
Rondo missed the game with a sore wrist, having been injured while hitting the court hard in Wednesday's game against Toronto.
Ray Allen's jumper gave Boston a 55-52 lead with 2:12 left in the third period. The Celtics did not score again until almost 4 minutes had elapsed in the fourth, by which time the Suns had built a 64-55 advantage.
Marcin Gortat paced the Suns with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Dudley had 12 points and Steve Nash added 11.
Allen had 14 for the Celtics and Paul Pierce scored 12 while making just 5-of-14 from the field.
