Celtics Fourth Quarter Run Seals Victory Over the Heat
Derrick White delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, leading the Celtics to a 129-116 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night at TD Garden. White scored a season-high 33 points and tied a career-high with nine three-pointers, setting the offensive tone from the opening tip. He finished nine-for-14 from beyond the arc and added six assists, five rebounds, and four blocks, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. After a slow shooting start to the season, White has clearly found his rhythm, and his confidence was evident throughout the night. Boston leaned heavily on his perimeter shooting to stretch Miami’s defense and create space for others. When White is playing at this level, the Celtics’ offense becomes far more difficult to contain.
Fourth-Quarter Execution Makes the Difference
The game remained tightly contested through three quarters, with neither team able to create real separation. That changed early in the fourth, when the Celtics erupted with a decisive 20-7 run to seize control. Boston opened the quarter by knocking down its first six three-point attempts, immediately swinging momentum in its favor. Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra burned multiple timeouts trying to slow the onslaught, but the damage was already done. The Celtics outscored the Heat 37-27 in the final frame and finished the night with 21 made threes. Boston’s ability to flip the switch late showcased its offensive ceiling and composure in key moments.
Supporting Wings Step Up in Key Moments
While White and Jaylen Brown carried the scoring load, Boston also received meaningful contributions from its supporting cast. Brown added 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, providing steady leadership and playmaking throughout the night. Rookie Hugo Gonzalez continued his encouraging development, finishing with 10 points, eight rebounds, and two steals while making several timely hustle plays. Sam Hauser bounced back after leaving the previous game early with an ankle injury, drilling five of his six three-point attempts for 15 points off the bench. These contributions were especially important given Miami’s aggressive defense and physicality. Boston’s depth allowed it to maintain offensive pressure even as rotations shifted.
Rebounding Remains a Lingering Concern
Despite the win, rebounding continues to be an area of concern for the Celtics. Miami grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and finished with a 24-11 advantage in second-chance points, repeatedly extending possessions. The Heat set the tone early by securing two offensive boards on their first possession, a trend that persisted throughout the night. Kel’el Ware and Bam Adebayo used their size effectively, combining for 38 points and 24 rebounds. Boston’s smaller lineups struggled to consistently finish defensive stops with rebounds. While the shooting advantage ultimately decided the game, this remains a vulnerability Boston will need to address moving forward.
Momentum Heading Into a Back-to-Back
The victory snapped a two-game losing streak and improved the Celtics to 16-11 on the season, providing a timely boost before a back-to-back. Boston’s offensive rhythm, particularly from three-point range, was a reminder of how dangerous this team can be when shots are falling. At the same time, the game reinforced the importance of controlling the margins, especially on the glass. The Celtics will look to carry their shooting momentum into Saturday’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors. If they can pair that offensive efficiency with stronger rebounding, Boston has an opportunity to build consistency heading into the next stretch of the season.
