The Boston Celtics secured a commanding 108-89 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night, led by Jaylen Brown’s 29 points. The Celtics improved their record to 17-4, maintaining their position near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Jayson Tatum contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard delivered 25 points off the bench, continuing his streak of scoring 20 or more in four consecutive games. Boston’s strong defensive performance held the Heat to 36% shooting from the field, including just 23% from beyond the arc.
Derrick White added 19 points for Boston, who has now won eight of their last nine games. Despite playing without key starters like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis, the defending NBA champions showcased their depth with contributions from across the roster.
Miami, missing Jimmy Butler and other key players, struggled offensively. Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. each scored 19 points for the Heat, with Jaquez adding 10 rebounds for a double-double. However, Herro’s 2-for-10 performance from three-point range highlighted the team’s shooting woes.
The Heat started strong, scoring the game’s first seven points, but the Celtics quickly responded with a 17-2 run to seize control. Boston extended their lead to double digits in the second quarter and led by as many as 22 points in the third.
Boston’s defensive intensity was evident as they recorded nine blocks and held the Heat’s starters to just eight three-pointers on 35 attempts. Luke Kornet anchored the defense with six blocks, a season-high for the veteran center.
The loss dropped Miami to 9-10 on the season, with their inconsistent form evident as they battle injuries to key players like Butler and Kevin Love. Keshad Johnson made his NBA debut for the Heat, scoring two points in seven minutes.
