Celtics 119, Heat 114

 

Last night, the Boston Celtics out-rebounded the Miami Heat, 51-40, but hit fewer threes, 13 to the Heat's 15, and gave Hugo González only 13:31 minutes playing time, the least of anyone on the team other than Baylor Scheierman's 4:58. But they nonetheless won the game, 119-114, snapping a two-game losing streak.

The difference was Anfernee Simons, who had 34:19 minutes off the bench, more than four of the five starters. He made good use of his time, scoring a game-high 39 points, including seven threes. His 43.8% was the highest three-point percentage on the team, and he also snagged four rebounds, assisted on four others goals, and made one steal. Last night was Simons' night. 

In other news, Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and Sam Hauser, 17. And to support the magic formula I've been touting the past few weeks, for all his heroics, the Celtics were + 18 when Simons was on the court, but were +19 during González' 13½ minutes.

The Celtics are 25-15 on the season, second in the Eastern Conference to the Pistons and a half game ahead of the Knicks in the Atlantic Division. 

From Miami, the Celtics head north to play tomorrow night right here in Atlanta against the Hawks (20-23), who've lost their star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards (poor Trae) and our old friend Kristaps Porzingis to an injury. Until then, if anyone on the Celtics team wants to stop by here for an old pal cocktail and some sitting meditation (not in that order), I'll be happy to oblige.