Miami Heat squander 22-point lead in Boston as Celtics rally late, win 98-96

Game swings after dominant Miami first half

The Miami Heat emerged from a quiet NBA trade deadline and appeared positioned to secure a road win Friday night in Boston, building a 22-point advantage before the Celtics closed out a 98-96 comeback victory at TD Garden.

Miami controlled the first half with defensive pressure and pace, limiting Boston’s perimeter rhythm and taking a 21-point lead into halftime. Boston’s early shooting struggles from three-point range were a defining feature of the opening 24 minutes, but the home team remained within reach by keeping possessions alive and staying close at the foul line.

Third-quarter collapse flips the matchup

The decisive stretch came after intermission. Boston surged in the third quarter, outscoring Miami 36-15 to erase the deficit and reset the game. Jaylen Brown led the turnaround with aggressive downhill scoring, while Payton Pritchard’s shot-making helped change the spacing and tempo.

Miami, which had been organized offensively early, struggled to generate clean looks during Boston’s run. The Celtics’ defensive activity increased, and Miami’s half-court execution stalled as the margin disappeared. The game was tied entering the final period, setting up a possession-by-possession finish.

Late execution decides a two-point finish

Boston eventually moved in front for good in the closing minutes. Derrick White’s corner three with 1:31 remaining proved to be the final scoring edge in a game where every late stop mattered. White finished with 21 points despite an inefficient shooting night, combining timely scoring with a key defensive play in the final sequence.

Miami had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Davion Mitchell missed a corner three with 2.7 seconds left. The Heat were held scoreless in the final minutes as Boston’s defense tightened and the Celtics avoided fouling while contesting on the perimeter.

Notable performances and roster context

• Jaylen Brown scored 29 points to lead Boston.
• Payton Pritchard added 24 points as Boston’s comeback catalyst.
• Nikola Vucevic recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds in his Celtics debut.
• White scored 21 points, including the late go-ahead three.

Boston’s rally from 22 down became its largest comeback of the season, while Miami’s inability to score late defined the final margin.

The result left Miami searching for answers after letting a substantial lead slip against a direct Eastern Conference opponent. The Heat’s immediate challenge is stabilizing fourth-quarter offense and closing out games on the road as the regular season continues.