Brad Stevens. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- There are eight games left in the regular season for the Celtics and thanks to their four-game winning streak, they're just three back of the Raptors for the East-lead, with two meetings left.
The C's will wrap up their trip tomorrow in Utah but, last night, held off the tanking Suns 102-94 after jumping ahead by 20 early.
It's easy to understand why the Celts struggle to put teams away. No Kyrie Irving. No Marcus Smart. No Daniel Theis. And, last night, Marcus Morris left after 23 minutes when he re-injured his ankle.
Coach Brad Stevens knows his club's expectations have to be held in check right now.
"Things start going your way or things go the other way, and it's just hard to stop that tide, right?" Stevens said. "I think ultimately you have to play every single night, and you have to play well every single night. We have a lot of good players not here, and ultimately, when our guys step on the court, they're going to have to play very well to win, every time, doesn't matter."
Terry Rozier is thriving with Irving out. In 10 career starts, he's averaging 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Rookie Jayson Tatum's averaged 18 and 7 his last eight.
And even with the sprained ankle, Morris is averaging 22 points his last four.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports