Celtics erase 22-point deficit in Boston, beating Heat 98-96 after third-quarter surge

Boston flips a stagnant first half into its biggest comeback of the season

The Boston Celtics overcame a 22-point deficit Friday night, rallying past the Miami Heat 98-96 at TD Garden after a decisive third-quarter turnaround. Boston trailed by as many as 22 in the first half, then seized control with a 36-15 third quarter that reshaped the game’s tempo and shot profile.

The win extended Boston’s winning streak to five games and highlighted a recurring theme in recent meetings between the teams this season: large leads have not been safe. The Celtics had already produced another comeback against Miami on Jan. 15, 2026, when they erased a 19-point deficit in a 119-114 win in Florida.

Key performances and a late shot that decided the margin

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 29 points, while Payton Pritchard added 24. Derrick White finished with 21 points and made a corner three-pointer with 1:31 remaining that provided the final margin. Boston’s offense, which opened the game in a deep shooting slump, found enough late rhythm to offset the early inefficiency.

Center Nikola Vučević, appearing in his first game for Boston, recorded a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, providing immediate size and rebounding on a night when possessions were scarce and the score stayed compressed into the final minute.

How Miami’s lead evaporated

Miami controlled the first half behind efficient scoring and defensive pressure, while Boston struggled to generate clean three-point looks. The Celtics began 1-for-21 from beyond the arc before their perimeter shooting stabilized. Boston finished by hitting nine of its final 15 three-point attempts, a swing that aligned with its third-quarter run and late-game execution.

Miami was led by Andrew Wiggins with 26 points, while Norman Powell scored 24. After Boston surged ahead, the Heat remained within one possession, but the game tightened into a series of half-court exchanges and contested looks.

Final possession and closing sequence

Miami had an opportunity to win in regulation. Davion Mitchell took a corner three-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining, but the shot missed, sealing the Celtics’ comeback. The final minutes were defined by limited scoring and high-leverage defensive stops, as Boston protected a narrow lead without generating separation on the scoreboard.

• Final score: Celtics 98, Heat 96 (Feb. 6, 2026, Boston)
• Largest deficit overcome by Boston: 22 points
• Defining stretch: Boston’s 36-15 third quarter

Boston’s comeback hinged on turning missed early threes into late makes, while holding Miami to 15 points in the third quarter.