A 20-5 run at the start of the fourth quarter with Spaniard Hugo Gonzalez on the court gave the Boston Celtics the victory over the Miami Heat (129-116), with Derrick White colossal from three-point range.
The green-and-white team shot 48.8% from the perimeter, including 10 three-pointers in the last quarter, when both teams were only one point apart on the scoreboard.
Hauser turns on the zipper and Boston doesn’t let go of the lead.
Sam Hauser (15 points and 5-of-6 three-pointers) started the Celtics’ hot streak with two consecutive three-pointers early in the fourth period.
The second of these came on a counterattack after a Gonzalez steal.
The Spaniard came close to his first NBA double-double by scoring 10 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in 29 minutes of play.
Although the Heat tried to respond with two three-pointers from center Kel’el Ware (24 points and 14 rebounds), Jaylen Brown (30 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists) and Gonzalez responded immediately with two three-pointers.
This was to maintain the 16-goal advantage on the scoreboard, which was maintained until the end of the game.
An even duel marked by casualties and rotations
The game had remained evenly matched up to that point, with neither team managing a gap of more than eight points.
The start of Jaime Jáquez Jr. in the absence of Andrew Wiggins due to injury, was the main novelty for the Heat, who were also without Tyler Herro and Davion Mitchell.
The Mexican scored 14 points (5 of 15 shooting) and grabbed 8 rebounds.
Norman Powell, with 18 points, Lithuanian Kasparas Jakucionis, with 17 points, and Bam Adebayo, with 16 points and 10 rebounds, were the rest of the starters along with Ware.
The Celtics have a 16-11 record after this victory and are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Heat, who snapped a five-game losing streak with a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, are back on the losing track at 15 wins and 13 losses.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
