BOSTON — The Boston Celtics faced a tough challenge on Wednesday night as they returned home from a lengthy road trip, suffering a 124-103 defeat to the Miami Heat that snapped their impressive nine-game winning streak. The loss not only marked the Celtics' largest defeat of the season, but it also pushed them further behind the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Celtics, now sporting a record of 56-20, found themselves in a deep hole early on, trailing by as much as 22 points in the third quarter. Despite a spirited comeback attempt that saw them cut the deficit to just three points, the Heat proved too resilient, ultimately pulling away to secure their sixth consecutive victory.
Tyler Herro led the charge for Miami, contributing 25 points and nine assists, while Bam Adebayo added 21 points to the mix. The Heat's depth shone through as they had seven players reach double figures, showcasing their ability to perform despite missing key players like Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, and Kevin Love.
The game began sluggishly for the Celtics, who struggled to find their rhythm after a grueling six-game road trip. They shot only 37.2 percent in the first half, allowing the Heat to build a 15-point lead by halftime. The Celtics attempted to rally, and a 19-1 run in the third quarter brought them within striking distance, but they couldn't capitalize on their momentum.
Jaylen Brown was the standout performer for Boston, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds. However, Jayson Tatum had an off night, shooting just 4-for-17 from the field and finishing with 16 points. Brown’s performance was crucial, especially considering he was playing through a nagging knee injury that has been troubling him.
“We made a run and got it down to three, but we just couldn’t get over that hump,” Brown said after the game. “We need to be sharper, especially at home.”
Luke Kornet stepped up in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, leading all Celtics scorers in the first half with 10 points and finishing the game with 14 points on an efficient 7-for-9 shooting. Kornet also grabbed six offensive rebounds, providing a spark in the frontcourt.
“I think we showed some fight in the second half, but it wasn’t enough,” Kornet noted. “We need to come out stronger from the start.”
On the other hand, the Heat's bench played a pivotal role in the victory, combining for 42 points, with Kyle Anderson contributing 19 points to help maintain Miami's lead when the Celtics threatened to take control of the game.
“That just plays into that connection piece that we’ve been talking about the last couple of weeks,” Herro said. “Playing as one, playing as a unit. They made their run — we stayed together. We didn’t fold, we didn’t let go of the rope.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the difficulties his team faced, particularly with key players sidelined. “We’re still figuring out our rotations with guys out,” he said. “It’s a learning experience, and we need to bounce back quickly.”
The Celtics' home performance this season has been notably inconsistent, with their record at TD Garden now at 24-13, a stark contrast to their formidable 37-4 home record during their championship run last year. The team is looking to regain its home-court advantage as they prepare for their next matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
As the playoffs approach, the Celtics must address their recent struggles, especially at home, if they hope to reclaim their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference. They currently sit five games behind the Cavaliers, who secured a victory over the New York Knicks on the same night.
The Heat’s victory not only solidified their position in the Eastern Conference play-in but also showcased their resilience after a rough patch earlier this season. With their current momentum, Miami is making a strong case for a playoff spot, and a potential rematch with the Celtics looms on the horizon.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Herro added. “Every win counts, and we’re focused on continuing this streak.”
As the NBA season winds down, every game becomes crucial for teams vying for playoff positioning. The Celtics will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings, while the Heat aim to keep their winning ways alive as they prepare for the stretch run.
