The revitalized Phoenix Suns, courtesy of Shaquille O’Neal, defeated the Boston Celtics 85-77 in Phoenix. The Phoenix Suns went on a 15-0 run in the first quarter, and the Boston Celtics seemed intimidated early on by the presence of Shaquille O’Neal and Amare Stoudemire in the paint.

The loss created the first three-game losing streak for the Boston Celtics this season, and their 30 first-half points were also their lowest scoring result of the season. The game was sloppy at times, with many turnovers. The energy in Phoenix was similar to that of the playoffs, with the Suns charging every time the Boston Celtics got close.

Kevin Garnett and Amare Stoudemire played a very physical game throughout, with elbowing and shoving the norm. The refs had to call a tighter game so things didn’t get out of hand. Garnett and Stoudemire yelled at each other throughout, two alpha dogs sizing each other up in what could be an NBA Finals preview.

Shaquille O’Neal, sporting the new nickname, “The Big Cactus,” stepped in for 14 rebounds. His role will be essential as a defensive stopper and great rebounder as the season comes to a close.

Kevin Garnett stated that the West was no joke and that the Boston Celtics better be prepared for this level of competition. Without a doubt, the Phoenix Suns have leapt to the front row of the NBA title race. Old faces in new places like Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Garnett have made these two teams favorites, and the intensity of this game had all the feel of a June NBA Playoff tilt.