The host Boston Celtics hung on to beat the Miami Heat on Sunday, 112 - 108. Boston (48 - 26) is now in a tie with the Cavaliers for the first seed in the Eastern Conference. Sunday's game marked a huge win for the Celtics, as the team not only earned its fourth straight victory, but moved into first place for the first time all season. Strong ball movement and shooting helped propel the Celtics to victory, as Miami was characteristically tenacious on the glass. The Cs shot over 53 percent from the field and dished out 32 team assists. Two Boston starters, star point guard Isaiah Thomas and forward Jae Crowder, led the team's offensive charge. Thomas, the league's second - leading scorer, dropped 30 points on the night. Crowder, meanwhile, had a season - high 25 points including three huge three - pointers. Crowder was also immensely impactful on the defensive end, coming away with two blocks and two steals. Miami (35 - 38), meanwhile, has been surging lately, pushing their way to the playoff picture after a dismal 13 - 30 start to the season. On Sunday, the Heat showed the intensity that led them to their playoff push, out - rebounding the Celtics by seven and coming away with 16 forced turnovers. Center Hassan Whiteside was at the heart of the win, scoring 19 points to go along with 15 rebounds. The Heat also enjoyed bench production in droves, with sixth man Tyler Johnson coming away with a team - high 24 points off the bench. Boston will host the Bucks on Wednesday, while the Heat will visit Detroit on Tuesday.
["TeamStat(G,'Celtics') has 26 Losses ,has 112 Total points ,has 16 Turnovers ,has 48 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Heat') has 38 Losses ,has 108 Total points ,has 35 Turnovers ."]