The Phoenix Suns did not look like themselves on New Year's Eve. Devin Booker and the Suns found themselves down by as many as 30 points against the Boston Celtics, eventually falling by a slightly more respectable deficit, 123-108.

Book was all business in the postgame press conference after the loss. The disappointment from the Suns star was palpable, despite the relatively cookie-cutter responses.

Via Duane Rankin:

“We'll be better next game,” said proclaimed.

“We have to do better in leading and holding each other accountable,” the Suns guard continued.

 

Granted they were playing without starters Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder, but the Celtics were down Jayson Tatum on the other side. The energy and effort that's been so key to the Suns' success was just not there to end the calendar year.

For a team that's tasted defeat so few times this season, they have been prone to letting deficits get away from them. The Suns have only lost eight times, but eight of those losses have been by nine points or more.

But better to learn these lessons during the season, when the games don't matter just as much. The Phoenix Suns look poised to make a run right back to the NBA Finals like last season, but their road back will be far from unencumbered.