Celtics excel offensively against Heat in standout performance

MIAMI — The Boston Celtics experienced an unprecedented first quarter in their illustrious history on Wednesday night, amassing 53 points in the initial 12 minutes of a 147-129 triumph over the Miami Heat.

This marked the second-highest scoring first quarter in NBA regular-season history. The Golden State Warriors recorded a 55-point opening quarter at Portland on April 9, 2023, while Miami previously had a 53-point first quarter against Charlotte on Nov. 7.

“Getting to the paint, getting to the basket and finishing. I think that was the catalyst,” Celtics star Jaylen Brown remarked.

Boston’s total of 147 points equaled their second-highest tally in a road game in franchise history. It also represented the most points the Heat have ever conceded at home.

“I thought we executed pretty well,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated. “There are times when you execute effectively and generate good shot after good shot. It just kind of unfolds. Typically, in such moments, players tend to take poor shots. We avoided that. We continued to seek a good look, the next-best look, and I believe that helped maintain the momentum.”

At the end of the quarter, Boston led 53-33, having shot 20 for 28 from the field and 11 for 15 from beyond the arc.

The 53 points in the first quarter represented the second-highest total Boston has ever achieved in a quarter; they scored 54 in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Clippers on Feb. 25, 1970. Additionally, it was the most points Miami has ever allowed in any quarter; the Heat previously surrendered 50 in the fourth quarter of a game at Seattle on Jan. 5, 1990.

Boston made 11 three-pointers in the first quarter, with Sam Hauser going 5 for 5 from beyond the arc while playing the entire 12 minutes. Brown scored 20 points in the quarter alone—marking the ninth 20-point quarter of his career, including playoffs—while Hauser contributed 17 points in the same period.

“This may sound unusual, but this is different from the other games we’ve discussed,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra commented. “Our players were focused and competing. There was an exceptional level of shot-making on (Boston’s) part to begin the game.”

Brown concluded the game with 43 points, and Jayson Tatum recorded a triple-double with 28 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists—his first of the season, following a lengthy recovery from the Achilles tendon tear he sustained during last season’s playoffs.

Tatum has accumulated 83 points, 35 rebounds, and 24 assists over his last three games. The last Celtics player to achieve such numbers in a three-game span was Larry Bird in April 1990.

“It was just high-level shot-making on both ends,” Tatum stated.

Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.