Heat blow 21-point first half lead and fall short down the stretch in Boston 98-96

"Miami looked encouragingly refreshed to start the game, spearheaded by the Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo trio offensively. The team was engaged, energized and efficient on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately, it didn't last. Same story, different game. The Celtics stormed back into it with a 36-15 third quarter advantage. All three of Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White got into grooves offensively at the same time. And it was ultimately too much to overcome all at once."

"Boston started the game going an abysmal 1 of 17 from 3-point range, but finally got some much needed good looks to fall to climb their way back into it in that second half. Brown led the way for them with a game-high 29 points. Pritchard and White added 24 and 21 points, respectively. In his Celtics debut, newly acquired big man Nikola Vucevic dropped an 11 points and 12 rebounds double-double in 28 minutes off the bench."

"For the Heat, Wiggins was their leading man while showcasing elite 3 & D capabilities- as he has often done throughout this season. Wiggins finished with a team-high 26 points, 6 boards and two steals on an uber efficient 10 of 16 from the field. He also went 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. Powell, who returned from a three-game absence since being named a first-time All-Star, brought the energy for Miami and totaled 24 points on 9 of 15 shooting."

Miami led by 21 at halftime behind Norman Powell, Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo, showing early energy and efficiency on both ends. The Celtics erased that lead with a dominating 36-15 third quarter, keyed by simultaneous scoring from Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. Boston overcame an early 1-of-17 three-point start to find better looks in the second half. Brown finished with 29 points, Pritchard 24 and White 21, while Nikola Vucevic added 11 points and 12 rebounds in his Celtics debut. Wiggins scored 26 and Powell added 24, but Miami's bench provided minimal impact.

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