In a stunning comeback, the Boston Celtics erased a 22-point deficit to snatch a 98-96 victory over the Miami Heat in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 (Philippine time). This hard-fought win extends the Celtics' impressive streak to five consecutive victories, showcasing their resilience and teamwork under pressure.
Key Performers Drive Celtics to Victory
Guard Jaylen Brown was instrumental in the Celtics' success, pouring in a team-high 29 points with aggressive plays and sharp shooting. Complementing his effort, Payton Pritchard contributed 24 points, providing crucial scoring depth that kept the Celtics in contention throughout the game.
Clutch Moments and New Additions
The game's turning point came from Derrick White, who nailed a clutch three-pointer with just 1:30 remaining on the clock, pushing the score to 98-96. White finished with 21 points, demonstrating his poise in high-pressure situations. Additionally, Nikola Vucevic, in his debut for the Celtics after a trade from the Chicago Bulls, made an immediate impact with 11 points and 12 rebounds, adding much-needed strength in the paint.
Heat's Valiant Effort Falls Short
On the opposing side, the Miami Heat put up a strong fight, led by Andrew Wiggins with 26 points. Norman Powell added 24 points, while Bam Adebayo chipped in 16 points and seven rebounds. However, their efforts were hampered by an injury to starter Pelle Larsson, who exited the game after only 12 minutes due to a right elbow contusion.
In the final seconds, the Heat had a chance to tie or win the game, but Davion Mitchell missed a three-point attempt from the corner with 2.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, sealing the Celtics' narrow victory.
Standings Implications
With this win, the Celtics improved their record to 33-18, tying them with the New York Knicks for the second spot in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Heat dropped to a 27-25 record, currently occupying the eighth position in the conference standings. This game highlights the competitive nature of the NBA season, with every match having significant playoff implications.
