miami heat vs celtics match player stats

Miami Heat vs Celtics Match Player Stats

The miami heat vs celtics match player stats from Boston’s 119-114 comeback win over Miami on January 15, 2026, provide a clear example of how a game can change dramatically despite nearly identical shooting percentages. Miami controlled much of the contest, building a lead that reached 19 points, but Boston dominated the fourth quarter 36-21 and completed one of its biggest comebacks of the season. Anfernee Simons produced a season-high 39 points off the bench, while Jaylen Brown added 27. For Miami, Norman Powell scored 26, with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro contributing 22 each.

There is an important date detail worth clarifying. The game was played at Kaseya Center in Miami on January 15, 2026 local time, although some listings display January 16 because of publication and time-zone differences. The official NBA box score identifies the matchup as Thursday, January 15, 2026.

The final score alone does not explain this matchup. Boston and Miami both shot 45 percent from the field, yet Boston won because of its offensive rebounding, free-throw accuracy, second-chance scoring and extraordinary fourth-quarter shot-making. Miami actually made more three-pointers, recorded more assists and committed fewer turnovers, but those advantages were not enough to withstand Boston’s late surge.

Table of Contents

Miami Heat vs Celtics Match Player Stats

The most important numbers from the game are summarized below.

Category Boston Celtics Miami Heat
Final Score 119 114
Field Goals 41-91 39-87
Field Goal % 45% 45%
Three-Pointers 13-39 15-42
Three-Point % 33% 36%
Free Throws 24-25 21-27
Free-Throw % 96% 78%
Rebounds 51 40
Offensive Rebounds 18 12
Defensive Rebounds 33 28
Assists 22 25
Turnovers 13 10
Steals 5 7
Blocks 5 2
Fouls 22 20

The statistical story becomes clearer when the categories are connected.

Boston did not win because it shot dramatically better. Both teams finished at approximately 45 percent from the floor. Miami even had the better three-point percentage, converting 15 of 42 attempts compared with Boston’s 13 of 39.

Instead, Boston generated more possessions through 18 offensive rebounds, compared with Miami’s 12. The Celtics also converted 24 of 25 free throws, an exceptional 96 percent. Those extra opportunities helped compensate for Miami’s advantage in assists, turnovers and three-point makes.

How Boston Celtics Came Back From 19 Down

The defining feature of this game was Boston’s fourth-quarter response.

Miami opened the night with a 36-25 advantage in the first quarter. The Heat maintained control in the second quarter, although Boston narrowed the margin slightly. Both teams scored 29 points in the third, leaving Miami with a 10-point lead entering the final period.

Then the game changed.

Boston scored 36 points in the fourth quarter while holding Miami to 21. The Celtics turned a double-digit deficit into a five-point victory by combining pressure at the rim, second-chance opportunities, accurate free-throw shooting and an explosive scoring performance from Simons.

The official Celtics game recap notes that Miami had led by as many as 19 points. Boston’s fourth-quarter comeback included a 23-7 run, while Simons scored 18 points in the final period alone.

That distinction matters when evaluating the player statistics. A conventional box-score review might identify Simons as Boston’s leading scorer and stop there. A deeper review shows that his scoring was particularly valuable because it arrived when the Celtics needed to erase the deficit.

Boston’s Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

  • First quarter: Boston 25, Miami 36
  • Second quarter: Boston 29, Miami 28
  • Third quarter: Boston 29, Miami 29
  • Fourth quarter: Boston 36, Miami 21
  • Final: Boston 119, Miami 114

The Celtics were outscored by 11 points in the opening period but won the fourth by 15.

That 26-point swing between the first and fourth quarters is one of the strongest indicators of how dramatically the game shifted.

Anfernee Simons Delivered the Game’s Biggest Performance

Anfernee Simons was unquestionably the central figure in Boston’s comeback.

He finished with 39 points, shooting 13-for-28 from the field, 7-for-16 from three-point range and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. He also recorded four rebounds, four assists and one steal in 34 minutes.

His shooting line was especially important:

  • 39 points
  • 13 made field goals
  • 28 field-goal attempts
  • 7 made three-pointers
  • 16 three-point attempts
  • 6-for-6 at the free-throw line
  • 4 rebounds
  • 4 assists
  • 1 steal
  • 2 turnovers
  • +18 plus/minus

The seven three-pointers accounted for more than half of Boston’s 13 made threes. The official Celtics recap also reported that his 39 points were the most ever scored by a Celtics player off the bench in a road game.

His fourth quarter was even more impressive than his overall total. Simons scored 18 points in the final period, including a sequence in which he scored 11 straight Boston points and helped reduce Miami’s lead to two.

This is why raw scoring totals can sometimes be misleading. Simons did not simply accumulate points throughout the game. He produced his most important scoring when the outcome was still uncertain.

Jaylen Brown’s 27 Points Kept Boston Within Reach

Jaylen Brown supplied Boston’s second-highest scoring total with 27 points.

His line was more complicated than Simons’ efficient scoring burst. Brown shot 9-for-24 from the field, 2-for-7 from three and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds.

His final statistical line:

  • 27 points
  • 9-for-24 field goals
  • 2-for-7 three-pointers
  • 7-for-7 free throws
  • 7 rebounds
  • 5 turnovers
  • 3 personal fouls
  • -10 plus/minus

Brown’s 27 points were particularly valuable because he contributed 15 points in the third quarter, helping Boston establish the foundation for its final-period comeback.

His five turnovers and minus-10 plus/minus show why individual box-score numbers need context. Brown was a major offensive contributor, but he was not the sole reason Boston won.

Sam Hauser Added Efficient Scoring

Sam Hauser finished with 17 points and was one of Boston’s most efficient starters.

He shot 6-for-11 from the field, 3-for-8 from three and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. He added three rebounds and three assists.

His shooting percentage was 54.5 percent from the field, and he finished at 37.5 percent from three.

Hauser also delivered an important moment late in the fourth quarter. After Miami had fought back against Boston’s pressure, Hauser hit the three-pointer that gave Boston the lead. Simons then followed with another three on the next possession.

That sequence illustrates an important principle in evaluating player impact. A player’s value is not always captured by total points. Hauser’s 17 points were important, but the timing of his late three was arguably more consequential than several earlier baskets.

Neemias Queta Controlled the Interior

Neemias Queta was not one of Boston’s leading scorers, but his rebounding was important.

He finished with nine points and nine rebounds while shooting 4-for-5 from the field. He also recorded one steal and one block.

His nine rebounds included seven defensive rebounds and two offensive rebounds.

Boston’s overall rebounding advantage was significant. The Celtics finished with 51 rebounds compared with Miami’s 40, giving them an 11-rebound advantage.

The Celtics also collected 18 offensive rebounds. That translated into 31 second-chance points, according to the team’s official game recap.

This is one of the clearest reasons the game ended differently from what the shooting percentages might suggest.

Payton Pritchard’s Passing Was More Important Than His Scoring

Payton Pritchard scored only two points, but his eight assists tied him for the highest assist total in the game.

He shot 1-for-4 from the field and finished 0-for-2 from three. He added three rebounds, one steal and one block.

His offensive production was limited, but eight assists show that he remained involved as a creator.

The problem was his minus-20 plus/minus, the worst mark among Boston players in the box score. That number should not be treated as a standalone judgment of his performance, but it does demonstrate how difficult some of his minutes were.

This is a useful reminder when reading miami heat vs celtics match player stats: not every category points in the same direction.

Boston’s Bench Was the Difference

The Celtics received extraordinary production from their reserves.

Simons led the way with 39 points. Luka Garza added 11 points, while Jordan Walsh contributed four points and eight rebounds. Hugo Gonzalez scored two points but posted a game-best plus-19 in 14 minutes.

Boston’s bench production gave the Celtics something Miami struggled to match late in the game: additional scoring pressure.

Simons’ 34 minutes off the bench were especially significant. Boston outscored Miami by 18 points during his minutes on the floor, while Miami outscored Boston by 13 during the 14 minutes he sat.

That is a remarkable on-off difference for a single game.

Norman Powell Led Miami’s Scoring

Norman Powell was Miami’s leading scorer with 26 points.

He was also one of the most efficient high-volume scorers in the matchup, shooting 10-for-15 from the field, 1-for-3 from three and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.

His line included:

  • 26 points
  • 10-for-15 field goals
  • 1-for-3 three-pointers
  • 5-for-5 free throws
  • 3 rebounds
  • 2 assists
  • 1 steal

Powell’s 26 points came on only 15 field-goal attempts, giving Miami an efficient offensive option.

The official Heat recap specifically highlighted Powell’s 26 points on 15 shots.

His performance shows that Miami did have an efficient scoring engine. The problem was that the Heat could not sustain that efficiency when Boston’s defense and offensive rebounding pressure intensified.

Bam Adebayo Produced an All-Around Line

Bam Adebayo scored 22 points while contributing four rebounds and five assists.

He shot 8-for-19 from the field, 3-for-7 from three and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line.

His five assists were particularly useful because Miami finished with 25 team assists, three more than Boston.

Adebayo also posted a +13 plus/minus, one of Miami’s strongest marks.

His performance therefore cannot be described as a poor outing simply because Miami lost. He provided efficient playmaking and scoring while helping Miami build its early advantage.

The larger problem was that Miami could not maintain control in the fourth quarter.

Tyler Herro Added 22 Points

Tyler Herro matched Adebayo’s 22 points.

He was highly efficient from the field, shooting 9-for-15 overall and 4-for-7 from three. He also recorded three assists and three steals.

His final line included:

  • 22 points
  • 9-for-15 field goals
  • 4-for-7 three-pointers
  • 2 rebounds
  • 3 assists
  • 3 steals
  • 1 block
  • 1 turnover

Herro’s 60 percent field-goal shooting and 57.1 percent three-point shooting were excellent.

Yet his plus/minus was -11.

That contrast is valuable. Herro individually shot very well, but Miami’s overall performance during his minutes did not translate into a victory.

Andrew Wiggins Was Miami’s Leading Rebounder

Andrew Wiggins finished with eight points and eight rebounds according to the official box score data, along with four assists.

He shot 5-for-10 from the field and 3-for-6 from three.

His eight rebounds were the highest total among Miami players.

Wiggins also finished with a +3 plus/minus, making him one of the more stable players in Miami’s starting group.

However, Miami’s team rebounding disadvantage remained a major issue. Boston secured 51 rebounds compared with Miami’s 40.

Kasparas Jakucionis Provided Eight Assists

One of the most interesting Miami statistics came from Kasparas Jakucionis.

He scored 12 points and recorded eight assists in 27 minutes. He shot 3-for-4 from the field, 3-for-4 from three and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line.

His eight assists tied Pritchard for the game lead.

Jakucionis also contributed five rebounds and three turnovers.

The Heat’s official recap highlighted his eight assists and his response during Boston’s late comeback.

His performance demonstrates that Miami had secondary playmaking available. The issue was not a total lack of creation. Instead, Boston’s fourth-quarter pressure made it much harder for Miami to turn those possessions into points.

Miami’s Three-Point Shooting Was Better

One of the most interesting statistical contrasts was three-point shooting.

Miami made 15 of 42 three-point attempts, or approximately 36 percent.

Boston made 13 of 39, or approximately 33 percent.

Miami therefore made two more three-pointers and shot roughly three percentage points better from beyond the arc.

Normally, that can be a major advantage.

But Boston compensated with offensive rebounding and free-throw efficiency.

Boston attempted 25 free throws and made 24.

Miami attempted 27 and made only 21.

That created a six-point difference in free-throw makes.

Boston’s 18 offensive rebounds also generated additional possessions that Miami could not fully offset with its three-point advantage.

Free Throws Were a Quiet Deciding Factor

Boston’s 96 percent free-throw shooting deserves special attention.

The Celtics converted 24 of 25 attempts.

Miami made 21 of 27.

That means Boston scored three more points from fewer free-throw attempts.

This is an example of why free-throw percentage should be evaluated alongside free-throw volume.

Miami actually reached the line more often. But Boston converted almost every opportunity.

In a five-point game, that efficiency matters.

Offensive Rebounding Changed the Possession Battle

Boston’s 18 offensive rebounds were arguably the most important team statistic beyond fourth-quarter scoring.

Miami had 12 offensive rebounds.

That six-rebound difference on the offensive glass gave Boston repeated opportunities after missed shots.

Boston finished with 18 offensive rebounds and 33 defensive rebounds. Miami recorded 12 offensive and 28 defensive rebounds.

The Celtics’ ability to extend possessions helped explain why two teams with identical field-goal percentages finished five points apart.

The official Celtics recap reported that Boston scored 31 second-chance points and set a franchise record with 22 second-chance points in the first half.

Miami Won the Turnover Battle

Miami committed 10 turnovers.

Boston committed 13.

That gave the Heat a three-turnover advantage.

Miami also had seven steals compared with Boston’s five.

This should have helped Miami generate transition opportunities, and it did to some extent. Miami outscored Boston 20-8 in fast-break points.

Yet Boston still won.

That is another reason this game is worth studying. The Heat won several possession-related categories but lost the categories that mattered most in the closing minutes.

The Fourth Quarter Was the Real Statistical Story

The fourth-quarter numbers explain the final result better than the overall box score.

Boston scored 36 points.

Miami scored 21.

That 15-point margin was larger than Boston’s final five-point winning margin.

In other words, Miami was good enough for three quarters to build a substantial cushion. Boston was good enough in one quarter to completely erase it.

Simons scored 18 points in the fourth.

Boston also received timely shooting from Hauser and additional free throws late.

Miami, meanwhile, managed only seven field goals in the final quarter, according to the Celtics’ official recap.

That combination of Boston’s shot-making and Miami’s offensive slowdown created the decisive swing.

Comparing the Starting Lineups

The starting lineups reveal an interesting contrast.

Boston Starters

Boston started:

  • Sam Hauser
  • Neemias Queta
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Payton Pritchard

Brown was the clear scoring leader among the starters with 27 points.

Hauser added 17.

Queta contributed nine points and nine rebounds.

White scored eight points while adding six rebounds, five assists and two blocks.

Pritchard scored two points but recorded eight assists.

This was a lineup with different responsibilities. Brown carried significant scoring responsibility, while Pritchard and White contributed more through playmaking and defense.

Miami Starters

Miami started:

  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Bam Adebayo
  • Norman Powell
  • Tyler Herro
  • Pelle Larsson

Powell led the group with 26 points.

Adebayo and Herro each scored 22.

Wiggins added 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Larsson scored seven points.

Miami therefore received strong scoring from three of its main offensive options, but the Celtics’ bench production and fourth-quarter execution ultimately proved more decisive.

Player Efficiency Tells a More Detailed Story

Looking only at points can hide important differences.

Powell scored 26 points on 15 field-goal attempts.

Herro scored 22 on 15 attempts.

Simons scored 39 on 28 attempts.

Hauser scored 17 on 11 attempts.

This means Miami’s leading scorers were generally more efficient from the field, while Simons carried a much heavier offensive workload.

That distinction is important.

Simons was not efficient because he avoided difficult shots. He was effective because he combined volume with high-value three-point production and perfect free-throw shooting.

His 7-for-16 performance from three was particularly important because those 21 points represented more than half of his total scoring.

Plus/Minus Shows Where the Game Shifted

Plus/minus is often overused, but in this particular game it provides useful context.

Boston’s notable plus/minus figures included:

  • Anfernee Simons: +18
  • Hugo Gonzalez: +19
  • Derrick White: +12
  • Luka Garza: +5

Negative Boston marks included:

  • Payton Pritchard: -20
  • Jaylen Brown: -10
  • Neemias Queta: -1

Miami’s notable figures included:

  • Bam Adebayo: +13
  • Norman Powell: +11
  • Pelle Larsson: +1
  • Andrew Wiggins: +3

Negative Miami marks included:

  • Tyler Herro: -11
  • Nikola Jovic: -19
  • Kasparas Jakucionis: -6
  • Kel’el Ware: -8

These numbers should not be treated as individual player grades. Plus/minus depends heavily on lineups, opponent combinations and game context.

Still, Simons’ +18 is highly relevant because his scoring burst directly coincided with Boston’s comeback.

What the Game Says About Boston

Boston’s performance revealed several strengths.

First, the Celtics demonstrated that they could survive a poor start without abandoning their offensive structure.

Second, they generated 18 offensive rebounds.

Third, they converted free throws at an elite rate.

Fourth, they had a bench scorer capable of taking over a game.

Finally, they produced their best offensive quarter when the margin for error was smallest.

The comeback was not simply a case of one player getting hot. Simons was the headline, but Boston also received timely contributions from Hauser, Brown, White, Queta and its bench.

What the Game Says About Miami

Miami’s performance was not without positives.

The Heat shot 45 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.

They had 25 assists and only 10 turnovers.

They won the fast-break scoring battle 20-8.

Powell was highly efficient.

Adebayo provided scoring and playmaking.

Herro shot 60 percent from the field.

Jakucionis delivered eight assists.

The central weakness was closing the game.

Miami entered the fourth quarter with a 10-point advantage but could not protect it.

That makes fourth-quarter execution the biggest lesson from the Heat perspective.

Why the Five-Point Margin Is Misleading

A five-point final margin can make a game appear competitive from beginning to end.

This game was different.

Miami had a lead that reached 19 points.

Boston then produced a 36-21 fourth quarter.

The Celtics therefore did not merely edge Miami at the buzzer. They fundamentally changed the game’s direction.

The final 119-114 score hides the fact that Miami controlled large portions of the matchup before Boston’s late offensive explosion.

This is why a serious player-stat analysis should always include quarter-by-quarter context.

Most Important Statistical Takeaways

The clearest lessons from the matchup are:

  1. Anfernee Simons was the decisive scorer. His 39 points included 18 in the fourth quarter.
  2. Boston won the rebounding battle. The Celtics finished with 51 rebounds compared with Miami’s 40.
  3. Boston dominated offensive rebounding. The Celtics had 18 offensive boards.
  4. Boston was nearly perfect at the line. The Celtics made 24 of 25 free throws.
  5. Miami shot better from three. The Heat made 15 threes compared with Boston’s 13.
  6. Miami won the turnover battle. The Heat committed 10 turnovers against Boston’s 13.
  7. Miami had more assists. The Heat recorded 25 compared with Boston’s 22.
  8. Boston won the fourth quarter by 15 points.
  9. Powell was Miami’s most efficient high-volume scorer.
  10. Boston’s bench scoring changed the game.

What Fans Should Look For When Reading Player Stats

When reviewing a game like this, it is easy to focus only on the leading scorers.

A better approach is to examine five layers.

1. Scoring Volume

Who scored the most?

Here, Simons led with 39.

2. Scoring Efficiency

How many shots did the player need?

Powell’s 26 points on 15 attempts were highly efficient.

3. Possession Control

Which team won rebounds, turnovers and second chances?

Boston dominated the offensive glass despite losing the turnover battle.

4. Timing

When were the points scored?

Simons’ 18 fourth-quarter points were much more influential than a hypothetical 18 points accumulated during garbage time.

5. Lineup Impact

Did the team perform better when a player was on the floor?

Simons’ +18 was particularly striking in this game.

This approach produces a much more useful interpretation than simply listing points.

Official Box Score and Data Reference

For readers who want to verify individual minutes, shooting percentages, rebounds, assists, turnovers and plus/minus figures, the official NBA box score is the best primary reference for this matchup.

Using the official box score as the primary statistical reference is especially important when comparing player totals because third-party databases can sometimes display dates differently or update presentation after the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who scored the most in the Celtics vs Heat game?

Anfernee Simons led all scorers with 39 points for Boston. He shot 13-for-28 from the field, made seven three-pointers and scored 18 points in the fourth quarter.

Who led the Miami Heat in scoring?

Norman Powell led Miami with 26 points. He shot 10-for-15 from the field and made all five of his free-throw attempts.

What was the final score of the Celtics vs Heat game?

Boston defeated Miami 119-114 at Kaseya Center. Boston outscored Miami 36-21 in the fourth quarter to complete the comeback.

Who had the most rebounds in the game?

Neemias Queta led Boston with nine rebounds. Boston also won the overall rebounding battle 51-40. Andrew Wiggins led Miami with eight rebounds.

Who had the most assists?

Payton Pritchard and Kasparas Jakucionis each recorded eight assists, giving them the highest assist total in the game.

Why did Boston beat Miami despite Miami making more three-pointers?

Boston compensated for Miami’s three-point advantage with 18 offensive rebounds, 31 second-chance points and 24 made free throws on 25 attempts. The Celtics also won the fourth quarter 36-21.

Conclusion

The miami heat vs celtics match player stats show a game decided by far more than the final score.

Miami produced several strong individual performances. Powell scored 26 points efficiently, Adebayo and Herro each scored 22, Wiggins collected eight rebounds, and Jakucionis recorded eight assists. The Heat also shot 36 percent from three, had 25 assists and committed only 10 turnovers.

Boston, however, found the statistical advantages that mattered most late in the game. The Celtics dominated the offensive glass, finished with an 11-rebound overall advantage, converted 96 percent of their free throws and received a historic scoring performance from Simons.

The defining number remains 36-21.

That was Boston’s fourth-quarter scoring advantage, and it transformed a 10-point deficit into a five-point road victory. Simons’ 39 points supplied the headline, but Boston’s comeback was built on several connected factors: offensive rebounds, second-chance scoring, accurate free throws, timely three-pointers and better execution when the game reached its decisive stage.

From Miami’s perspective, the game demonstrates the importance of closing possessions and protecting a lead. The Heat had enough shooting, playmaking and transition offense to control much of the night, but Boston’s pressure eventually forced the game into a different rhythm.

For anyone studying miami heat vs celtics match player stats, this matchup is a strong example of why a complete statistical review should connect individual production with team-level possession data and quarter-by-quarter performance. The most meaningful story was not simply that Boston scored 119 points. It was how the Celtics generated those points when the game was slipping away, and how Miami’s earlier advantages disappeared during the final 12 minutes.

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