The Miami Heat continued their winning ways, while the Boston Celtics secured a solid road victory in National Basketball Association (NBA) action on Thursday night, January 1, 2026, which was Friday, January 2, in Philippine time.
Heat Hold Off Pistons' Late Surge
The Miami Heat earned their fourth straight victory, defeating the Detroit Pistons 118-112 in a hard-fought contest. Norman Powell led the charge for Miami with a game-high 36 points, including five three-pointers in the first half alone. Bam Adebayo provided a strong double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Despite building a 22-point lead in the third quarter, the Heat faced a tense final minute. Detroit, led by Cade Cunningham's 31 points and 11 assists, mounted a fierce comeback. A three-pointer by Javonte Green cut Miami's lead to just two points with 46.4 seconds remaining.
Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. answered the call for the Heat, hitting a crucial short jumper to extend the lead. After a Pistons turnover, Norman Powell sealed the game with two free throws. Jaquez finished with 19 points, and Andrew Wiggins added 17 for Miami.
Celtics Pull Away From Kings in Fourth Quarter
In the other featured game, the Boston Celtics used a strong fourth quarter to beat the Sacramento Kings 120-106. Jaylen Brown powered the Celtics with 29 points and 10 rebounds, despite struggling from beyond the arc.
The game was tied at 88 entering the final period before Boston took control. Derrick White, who hit a go-ahead three-pointer, and Brown fueled a decisive 11-2 run midway through the quarter to put the game out of reach. White finished with 16 points and seven assists, while Payton Pritchard also scored 16.
Sam Hauser provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, including five three-pointers. For the struggling Kings, DeMar DeRozan led with 25 points. Sacramento has now lost four of its last five games.
Other NBA Results
The night also saw several other decisive victories across the league. The Houston Rockets routed the Brooklyn Nets 120-96. The Philadelphia 76ers won on the road against the Dallas Mavericks, 123-108. Finally, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz by a score of 118-101.
