BOSTON — In a stunning display of resilience and skill, the Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics 124-103 on April 2, 2025, at TD Garden, marking their sixth consecutive victory and closing a perfect three-game road trip. The Heat, who had recently endured a challenging 10-game losing streak, have now turned their fortunes around, becoming just the third team in NBA history to follow such a skid with a six-game winning streak, all by double-digit margins.
Tyler Herro led the charge for Miami with a game-high 25 points, alongside 6 rebounds and 9 assists, while Bam Adebayo contributed 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Heat's victory not only snapped Boston's impressive nine-game winning streak but also marked their first regular-season win in Boston since December 2, 2022.
The Celtics, currently holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 37.2 percent from the field and 27.9 percent from three-point range. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 24 points, while Jayson Tatum managed only 16 points on a disappointing 4-of-17 shooting night.
Miami's head coach Erik Spoelstra praised his team's growth, saying, "We’re just trying to take care of our business and continue to try to play well, compete hard, have this connectivity that’s growing as this season is going on and prepare." The Heat's performance against the defending champions was particularly impressive, considering they were also missing key players, including Nikola Jovic, Kevin Love, Duncan Robinson, Dru Smith, and Andrew Wiggins.
The game started competitively, with Miami taking a 20-17 lead late in the first quarter and never looking back. By halftime, the Heat had built a 14-point lead, thanks to a strong defensive effort that limited Boston to just 3-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. The Heat’s defense was instrumental in maintaining their lead, forcing Boston into difficult shots and capitalizing on their mistakes.
After a dominant first half, Miami opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run, extending their lead to 22 points. However, the Celtics showed their fighting spirit, responding with a 25-6 run to cut the deficit to just three points with 4:28 remaining in the third quarter. Despite the scare, the Heat regained composure, closing the quarter on a 14-7 run to lead by 10 heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, the Celtics managed to pull within four points early on, but Miami responded with a decisive 20-9 run, effectively sealing the game and forcing Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla to empty his bench. This victory was a significant one for the Heat, not just for the win itself but for the confidence it instilled in a team that had faced considerable adversity this season.
Miami's bench also played a crucial role in the win, with seven players scoring in double figures. Kyle Anderson shone with a season-high 19 points, while Davion Mitchell, returning from illness, contributed 13 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Rookie Pelle Larsson added 16 points, showcasing his growing confidence and skill set.
As the Heat returned to Miami for a three-game homestand, they remain focused on improving their position in the Eastern Conference standings. Currently sitting in ninth place with a 35-41 record, the Heat are just one game behind the eighth-place Atlanta Hawks and 1.5 games behind the seventh-place Orlando Magic. The intensity of the playoff race is palpable, with the Heat looking to solidify their spot in the upcoming play-in tournament.
The upcoming schedule poses a challenge, with the Heat set to face the Memphis Grizzlies, who are fighting to avoid the play-in tournament themselves. Spoelstra acknowledged the tough circumstances but emphasized his team's readiness to compete, stating, "That doesn’t matter. We all have back-to-backs. We’re not afraid of those." The Heat's performance against Boston has certainly set a positive tone as they head into this crucial stretch of the season.
As the playoffs approach, Miami's ability to maintain their winning streak and build on their recent success will be critical. The Heat's victory over the Celtics not only showcased their talent and depth but also highlighted their resilience in overcoming adversity. With just six games left in the regular season, every matchup will be vital as they aim to secure a favorable position for the play-in tournament.
In conclusion, the Heat's impressive victory over the Celtics serves as a testament to their determination and growth as a team. As they prepare to face the Grizzlies, the Heat are not just playing for wins; they are playing to reclaim their place among the elite in the Eastern Conference.
