The Boston Celtics handed the Miami Heat a 110-97 loss on Thursday, riding momentum from a memorable win in Miami just days earlier. The result keeps Boston within reach as they chase a remarkable comeback in the Eastern Conference Final, trying to erase a 0-3 hole and extend their season run.
The Celtics thrive when the pressure peaks. At TD Garden they produced a performance that felt pivotal, anchoring a win in a high-stakes playoff moment. With the series heading back to Miami for Game six on Saturday, Boston fans could feel the urgency surrounding a group that has faced doubt yet kept its sights set on the prize.
Historically, the challenge of overcoming a 3-0 deficit is enormous in the playoffs. Boston proved once again that the road to the NBA Finals is paved with resilience. Their TD Garden triumph stood as a midpoint in a possible rally, one that would demand every available weapon in the squad over the coming games.
The Celtics navigated a season marked by ups and downs, echoing the journey that led them to the Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Even in those early home games, Boston faced hurdles, and their home playoff record over the past two seasons had slipped below .500 before this clash. Yet the narrative shifted on a clear, decisive night in Boston.
The response was clear. TD Garden became the stage for a relentless Celtics attack. They stayed aggressive as the tempo quickened and leveraged depth to sustain pressure late. The team thrived when their three-point shooting surpassed the 40 percent mark, finishing with 16 makes on 39 attempts, or 41 percent, underscoring the value of efficient scoring from beyond the arc. The night belonged to Derrick White, who poured in 24 points and hit six of eight triples. Marcus Smart added 23 points and four triples, while Jayson Tatum tallied 21 points, eight rebounds, and eleven assists. Jaylen Brown matched Tatum with 21 points as well.
Jimmy Butler was limited to 14 points, and Bam Adebayo was held to 16 or fewer as Erik Spoelstra’s rotations sought a spark from the bench. Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, and Caleb Martin contributed 18, 15, and 14 points respectively, but their production did not translate into sustained momentum for the Heat.
Celtics Come Out to Bite
The arena buzzed with energy as Boston wasted no time setting the tone. They moved the ball with intent and pursued every rebound, building early points and a pace that Miami could not match. A 61-point first half showcased the Celtics’ balance, with Brown and White leading the way and Tatum and Smart finding rhythm as the period progressed. The offense clicked early, and the momentum carried into the second quarter, widening the advantage. The Celtics converted fast breaks and second-chance opportunities, creating a cushion that remained intact even as the game wore on.
White and Smart supplied the spark, while Tatum provided steady leadership and reliable scoring. Boston carved a clear route to victory by exploiting open three-point looks and dominating the boards, pressing the Heat into tough spots and keeping their defense on edge. The momentum built from the opening minutes into a sustained run, and Boston’s defense answered the bell when Miami tried to push back.
Horford stepped in with crucial offensive rebounds and timely distribution during the early moments, contributing in multiple ways to the team’s success. A late first-quarter surge and a continued push in the second quarter signaled Boston’s intent: seize control and hold it. The relentless pressure, paired with timely shot-making, set the tone for a win that felt earned on home soil.
White, the sharp shooter, carried the offense with precision. Supported by Smart, his shooting opened looks for teammates and stretched the Heat’s defense. The lead grew to as much as 23 points as Boston kept a steady rhythm, while Tatum orchestrated the offense with five assists and steady scoring to keep the attack flowing. Despite Bam Adebayo’s best efforts, Miami could not stop the homestanding surge, and the Celtics sealed the victory with a comfortable margin. The final score, 96-72, reflected efficient shooting and smart game management by Boston.
As the clock dwindled, Boston’s rotation preserved energy for the next test. Miami, aware of the stakes, did the same with its key contributors, understanding that every possession would matter more in the series’ late stages. The Celtics’ focus did not waver; their concentration held firm as the game quieted, and the Heat found few chances to alter the outcome.
A series that once seemed settled now carries the aura of an extraordinary comeback story. Celtics history is being rewritten by this moment, as the team pushes toward a potential miracle that could redefine this postseason journey.