Celtics Triumph Over Heat with Record-Breaking Start

MIAMI (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 43 points, Jayson Tatum recorded his first triple-double of the season, and the Boston Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 147-129 on Wednesday night. The Celtics started strong, setting a franchise record by scoring 53 points in the first quarter. This impressive start tied the second-highest total for an opening quarter in NBA history.

Tatum’s performance included 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. Sam Hauser added 23 points for Boston, who are 31-0 this season when scoring at least 117 points. The Celtics have also won 10 of their last 11 games after a loss.

The Celtics led by as many as 27 points, but the Heat managed to reduce the lead to nine early in the fourth quarter. Despite this, Boston maintained control and secured the win. With a 51-25 record, the Celtics hold second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Detroit by four games.

For the Heat, Bam Adebayo led with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Miami tied a franchise record by making 24 three-pointers. Other contributors included Davion Mitchell with 21 points, and Tyler Herro and Pelle Larsson each scoring 18 points. The Heat also got 17 points from Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Miami remains in the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference play-in race, trailing both Orlando and Charlotte by half a game.

The Celtics opened the game strongly, making 11 of their first 13 shots. They turned a one-point deficit into a 20-point lead with a 24-3 run in just over four minutes. By halftime, Boston led 80-57, and they extended their margin to 27 points at the start of the second half.

Up next: The Celtics face Milwaukee on Friday, while the Heat host Washington on Saturday.