Heat Squanders 22-Point Lead to Celtics After Quiet Trade Deadline

The Miami Heat squandered a significant 22-point lead against the Boston Celtics, resulting in a close 98-96 loss at TD Garden on February 6, 2026. This matchup marked the beginning of a two-game road trip for Miami, now at an overall record of 27-26.

Game Overview

The Heat entered halftime with a commanding 59-38 lead. Notably, Boston recorded its lowest score in a half this season. However, Miami’s third-quarter woes resurfaced, as they were outscored 36-15 during this period.

Celtics Comeback

Despite struggling with three-point shooting, making only 1 of 20 attempts in the first half, the Celtics rallied in the third quarter, converting 13 of 20 shots (65 percent) and 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. This surge allowed Boston to tie the game at 74 heading into the fourth quarter.

Critical Moments of the Fourth Quarter

• The fourth quarter featured four lead changes and four ties.
• Derrick White’s corner three-pointer with 1:31 left gave Boston a crucial two-point lead.
• Miami missed their final three shots, including a last-second attempt by Davion Mitchell, which rimmed out.

Player Highlights

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 29 points, while Payton Pritchard contributed significantly, scoring 24 points, all in the second half. For the Heat, Andrew Wiggins was the standout performer with 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Bam Adebayo added 16 points, and the returning Norman Powell scored 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting.

Third-Quarter Troubles

Miami’s problems in the third quarter continue, marked by a poor shooting performance of just 5 of 19 (26.3 percent) from the floor, and 2 of 12 (16.7 percent) from three-point range. This trend has become a season-long concern, contributing to back-to-back losses to the Celtics.

Trade Deadline and Roster Notes

Following a quiet trade deadline, the Heat did not make any roster changes, remaining one of the few teams to stand pat. Meanwhile, Boston introduced new center Nikola Vucevic, who scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in his debut.

Rebounding Battle

The game also showcased a struggle in rebounding, with the Celtics dominating second-chance points 20-12. Miami’s defensive rebounding efforts were challenged by Boston’s strong offensive boards, resulting in a 13-10 edge in offensive rebounds for the Celtics.

As the Heat prepare for their next game against the Washington Wizards on February 8, they must address their third-quarter vulnerabilities and build upon their offensive strategies to avoid further losses. With their current squad intact, Miami’s drive for improvement continues as they strive for postseason positioning.