The Boston Celtics have been a good road team this season, and that success continued Sunday night in Miami.
The C’s beat the Heat 105-95 at American Airlines Arena for their second consecutive win, improving their record away from TD Garden to 9-7 and overall mark to 15-12.
Boston used a great first quarter and excellent play from its starters to secure the victory. Another poor third quarter made for an interesting finish, but the C’s held on by making some clutch shots in the fourth quarter.
Here’s how it all went down.
HOT START FOR BACKCOURT DUO
Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley paced the Celtics in the first quarter with nine points apiece as Boston entered the break up 37-19. Thomas (4 of 5 shooting) and Bradley (4 for 6 shooting) were plus-14 and plus-18, respectively, in the quarter. Bradley also played the entire opening 12 minutes.
It was a near-perfect quarter for the Celtics overall, too.
BALANCED ATTACK
The Celtics had four starters in double figures. Thomas led the team with 23 points, while Bradley added 20, Al Horford 17 and Jae Crowder 15.
FOUL LINE WOES
The Heat shot 52.2 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from 3-point land, which isn’t bad, but they really struggled at the free throw line. Miami was just 14 of 25 from the line, good for 56 percent. Forward Justise Winslow (4 of 8) and center Hassan Whiteside (5 of 9) had the most trouble.
FUN AND GAMES
The Celtics found an unconventional way to determine who would shoot a technical free throw.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT
Thomas with a sweet behind-the-back dish for a 3-point shot.
UP NEXT
Boston continues its three-game road trip Tuesday night in Memphis. Tipoff for Celtics-Grizzlies is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images
