In a battle between Eastern Conference heavyweights, the Miami Heat surged past the Boston Celtics with a convincing 124-103 victory Tuesday night at TD Garden. Tyler Herro led the charge with 25 points and nine assists as Miami stretched its season-best winning streak to six games.
The win capped off a perfect 3-0 road trip for the Heat, who are riding high after a brutal stretch last month that saw them drop 10 straight. Now rejuvenated, Miami is getting contributions from across the roster, even without key players Andrew Wiggins (hamstring), Duncan Robinson (back), and Kevin Love (personal reasons).
Seven Heat players scored in double figures, including Bam Adebayo, who poured in 21 points. Miami’s depth and energy were evident all night, especially when Boston trimmed what was once a 22-point lead to just four in the fourth quarter. The Heat answered with a decisive 22-9 run, regaining control and never looking back.
On the Celtics’ side, Jaylen Brown led the effort with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each added 16. Boston was missing several key pieces—Jrue Holiday (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis (rest), and Al Horford (toe sprain)—and looked sluggish at times after returning from a flawless 6-0 road trip. Their loss snapped a season-best nine-game win streak.
After Boston stormed back to cut the deficit to 91-87 in the fourth, Miami’s rapid 22-9 run sealed the deal, showing poise and composure under pressure. It was a reminder of why the Heat, even as a play-in contender, are never to be taken lightly come spring.
Erik Spoelstra earned his 785th regular-season win as an NBA head coach, breaking a tie with Gene Shue for 17th all-time. Next up on the list: Cotton Fitzsimmons at 832 wins.
The Heat return home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, while the Celtics will look to bounce back when they host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.
No, it wasn’t a hockey game — but with this level of intensity and physical play, it might as well have been.
