The Boston Celtics delivered a stunning comeback performance, erasing a massive 22-point deficit to secure a thrilling 98-96 victory over the visiting Miami Heat in a National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season clash at TD Garden on February 7, 2026 (Philippine time). This hard-fought win extends the Celtics' winning streak to five consecutive games, boosting their season record to an impressive 33 wins and 18 losses.
Key Performers Drive Celtics' Rally
Guard Jaylen Brown was instrumental in the Celtics' resurgence, pouring in a team-high 29 points with aggressive play on both ends of the court. He was ably supported by Payton Pritchard, who contributed 24 points, and Derrick White, whose clutch 3-pointer with 1:31 remaining gave Boston a narrow 98-96 lead. White finished with 21 points overall.
In his highly anticipated debut for the Celtics after a recent trade from the Chicago Bulls, Nikola Vucevic made an immediate impact with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds, providing crucial interior presence.
Heat's Strong Start Falters in Second Half
The Miami Heat dominated early, racing to a 9-0 start and building a commanding 22-point lead late in the second quarter. Andrew Wiggins spearheaded the Heat's offense with 26 points, while Norman Powell returned from a brief absence to add 24 points. However, the team faced a setback when Pelle Larsson exited in the second quarter with a right elbow contusion and did not return.
Boston struggled mightily in the first half, shooting a dismal 6-of-24 from the field and just 1-of-10 from three-point range, trailing 29-15 after the first quarter and 59-38 at halftime.
Dramatic Finish Seals Celtics' Win
The Celtics mounted a furious third-quarter rally, outscoring Miami 36-15 to tie the game at 74 entering the final period. Boston took its first lead when Derrick White sank two free throws with 9.1 seconds left in the third, breaking a 72-72 deadlock.
In the closing seconds, Miami had a chance to tie or take the lead, but Davion Mitchell's corner 3-pointer missed with 2.7 seconds remaining. A chaotic scramble for the rebound ended with Miami knocking the ball out of bounds, allowing Boston to run out the clock and seal the dramatic comeback victory.
This game highlights the Celtics' resilience and ability to overcome adversity, setting the stage for an exciting stretch run in the NBA season.
