The Miami Heat looked to close 2016 with a win as they entered the TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics, who have claimed two victories against them. The Heat would also be without Goran Dragic, who was out with a back injury.
In the first quarter, Amir Johnson made two free throws to get Boston on the board, while Josh Richardson got Miami on the board with a mid-range basket. Jae Crowder and Isaiah Thomas both made a three-pointer each for the Celtics, while Whiteside and Winslow got themselves going with a free throw and a jump shot. After a basket from Al Horford and two free throws from Thomas, Luke Babbitt got himself on the board with a basket for Miami. With Boston leading 12 to 10, Horford added more points for Boston, while Rodney McGruder nailed a three-pointer for Miami, followed by an easy layup from Winslow. With Boston leading 17 to 15, the Heat would tie the game three times before the end of the first quarter. Both teams tied at 25.
In the second quarter, Willie Reed would come off the bench and made a pair of reverse layups for the Heat, while Gerald Green would tie the game for the Celtics. James Johnson and Wayne Ellington also came off the bench and scored a three-pointer each, followed by a jump shot from Richardson, after the Celtics continued to score. With Boston leading 37 to 31, Whiteside returned back to the lineup, making a basket and two blocks. After a three-pointer from Richardson, Jonas Jerebko and Thomas would make three-pointers of their own as Miami called timeout. With Miami ahead 42 to 38, the Celtics would go on a ten to two run, until McGruder ended the scoring run. As the Heat led 46 to 45, the Celtics closed the second quarter on a seven to two run as they led 52 to 48.
Into the third quarter, Richardson would make a technical free throw and a layup, followed by a pair of Winslow mid-range jumper to get the Heat going. Amir Johnson and Thomas would also get the Celtics with a pair of easy baskets. Tyler Johnson and Horford both made a three-pointer each for their respective team. Luke Babbitt would enter the game for Miami and would tie the game at 60 with a three-pointer of his own. Tyler Johnson would take over the on the offensive end for the Heat as they would retake the lead 66 to 64. After a dunk from Whiteside, Horford brought the Celtics within a point shy of the Heat’s lead with a three-pointer. After a three-pointer from Ellington, Marcus Smart and Crowder helped Horford on the offensive end as they would take back the lead for the Celtics. By the end of the third quarter, the Celtics led 82 to 78.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Miami answered back with an eleven to two run, as they led 89 to 84. Thomas would score a trio of three-pointers to give the Celtics the lead. With Boston leading 93 to 89, James Johnson would nail a three-pointer for the Heat, only for Thomas to fire another three-pointer of his own for the Celtics, followed by a dunk from Jaylen Brown. Thomas was in full control of the Celtics offense, firing on all cylinders from beyond the arc and making his way to the rim. While Miami continued to putting up a fighting effort, they would use the Celtics in a 117 to 114 victory.
The Miami Heat close 2016 on a losing note. The Heat have now dropped seven in a row against the Celtics and their record overall continues to get worse.
On one end, the positive notes to take away from this was that the Heat managed to compete in this game, especially down the stretch during Isaiah Thomas’ scoring explosion.
Another positive note would be that of Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow. Richardson continued his improvement on the scoring end, while Winslow, after a poor showing in Charlotte, made a decent contribution on the scoring end. Winslow will have to do more to help out.
One negative that hurt the Heat, aside from Isaiah Thomas’ explosive night, was their free throws. While the Heat were 7 for 10 from the line, they still need make both of their free throws and not just one. Miami are still ranked last in free throw production.
”I’m not sure there was much we could do more,” Miami coach Eric Spoelstra said. ”He’s one of the very best fourth quarter players in this league for that reason. He doesn’t shy from the shot in the moment now. Inside half court he feels like is within his rhythm.”
For the Heat, James Johnson had 22 points, Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson with 19 points each, Wayne Ellington with 14 points, plus Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow had 11 points each.
For the Celtics, Al Horford had 21 points and Isaiah Thomas with a career and season high of 52 points.
The Miami Heat return home to bring in the New Year as they face the Detroit Pistons. That game starts tomorrow at 6pm and will be televised locally on Sun Sports and nationally on NBA League Pass.
The Heat Check Magazine 