The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 117 - 114, at TD Garden on Friday. Boston were expected to win this game rather easily, but the Heat gave them a run for their money. There were 12 ties and 18 lead changes in total, as neither squad led by more than eight points. Both offenses were impressive, as Boston shot 51 percent, while Miami shot 53 percent. It was three - point shooting and free - throw shooting that decided the game, with the Celtics going 83 percent (24 - of - 29) from the free - throw line and 53 percent (17 - of - 32) from long distance. The Heat went just 70 percent (7 - of - 10) from the charity stripe and 39 percent from three (11 - of - 28) on their end. Miami (10 - 24) have made a habit of losing close games throughout the season, as this marks their 22nd loss by 12 points or less. Josh Richardson stepped up in the absence of Goran Dragic though, as he led the starters with 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals. The bench is what kept the Heat hanging around, as Wayne Ellington, James Johnson and Tyler Johnson all scored at least 14 points. Tyler Johnson finished the game with 19 points, four rebounds and six assists, while James Johnson led the team with 22 points, three rebounds and six assists. Justise Winslow accumulated 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists of his own. Hassan Whiteside's recent struggles continued, as he totaled just 11 points, eight rebounds and one block in the loss. Miami will return to action on Sunday versus the Detroit Pistons. Boston (20 - 14) have gotten a career year out of Isaiah Thomas this season and they got a career night out of him in this win. Thomas dropped a career - high 52 points, with 27 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Strangely, he failed to provide an assist, but he went 15 - of - 26 from the field and 9 - of - 13 from three - point range in his historic night. Al Horford was the only other player in double figures, as he accrued 21 points, six rebounds and four assists on 8 - of - 12 shooting. No other player on the roster had more than nine points, five rebounds or five assists. The Celtics will be off until Tuesday, when they play the Utah Jazz for their next game.
["TeamStat(G,'Celtics') has 53 Percentage of 3 points ,has 51 Percentage of field goals ,has 14 Losses ,has 117 Total points ,has 20 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Heat') has 39 Percentage of 3 points ,has 53 Percentage of field goals ,has 24 Losses ,has 114 Total points ,has 10 Wins ."]