Derrick White erupted for a season-high 33 points, connecting on nine 3-pointers, while Jaylen Brown added 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the Boston Celtics (16-11) pulled away from the Miami Heat (15-13) for a 129-116 victory on Friday night at TD Garden.
The game was tied 58-58 at halftime, but Boston dominated the fourth quarter, using a 20-7 run to open a 112-96 lead and push the margin to 19 points. White led the charge, hitting 11 of 20 field goals and 9 of 14 from beyond the arc, while Brown efficiently scored and facilitated for teammates.
Anfernee Simons contributed 14 points off the bench, helping the Celtics snap a two-game losing skid. Boston shot 54% overall and connected on 21 three-pointers, while outrebounding Miami 46-41 despite a competitive effort from the Heat.
Miami kept pace through Kel’el Ware, who recorded 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Norman Powell, who added 18 points. Bam Adebayo posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 boards, but turnovers and missed opportunities hindered their comeback.
The Heat shot just 39% from the field and made 19 of 49 attempts from deep, struggling to capitalize on 11 offensive rebounds in the first half that had led to 17 second-chance points. In the second half, Miami managed only seven points from second-chance opportunities.
Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis made a strong impression in his first career start, scoring 17 points and hitting five three-pointers for the Heat. Miami’s depth was limited, with Tyler Herro sidelined due to a toe injury, and Andrew Wiggins, Nikola Jovic, Davion Mitchell, and Pelle Larsson all unavailable.
The win improves Boston to 16-11, while Miami drops to 15-13 overall and 5-9 on the road. The Celtics will travel to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, while the Heat visit the New York Knicks on Sunday.
