Celtics Spoil Wade's Final Garden Visit, Beat Heat 110-105
BOSTON (AP) — Kyrie Irving had 25 points, including a pair of key late free throws, and the Boston Celtics held off the Miami Heat 110-105 on Monday night.
Al Horford added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the Celtics (46-32), who are trying to beat out the Indiana Pacers for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Goran Dragic led the Heat with 30 points. Bam Adebayo added 19 points and 14 rebounds. Dwyane Wade finished with 17 points and seven assists in his final regular-season game at TD Garden.
Miami (38-39) maintained its half-game lead over Orlando for the final playoff spot in the East after the Magic's 121-109 loss to Toronto.
Boston led by as many as 23 points in the second quarter before its lead shrunk to three with 6:44 left in the fourth after the Heat went back to a zone that had been effective at times in the first half.
The Celtics continued to have some issues with it but were able to knock down a pair of 3-pointers to help push their lead back up to 101-92.
The Heat took advantage of some Boston turnovers and got a jumper from Wade that cut it to 103-100 with 2 minutes left.
Dion Waiters missed a 3-pointer for Miami that would have tied the game and Irving converted on a three-point play on the other end.
Following a tip-in by Wade, Irving found nothing but air on a fading 3-point attempt, giving it back to Miami. But the Heat's ensuing possession ended with Kelly Olynyk's turnover.
Irving then was fouled and calmly sank a pair of free throws.
Two nights after Wade received a warm welcome in Madison Square Garden and picked up a victory in his final game against the New York Knicks, Boston gave him a similar greeting at TD Garden on Monday.
Before the game, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge presented Wade with a plaque in commemoration of his career accomplishments.
Later, he received a loud ovation from Boston fans when he subbed into the game in the first quarter.
It was one of the few highlights for either Wade or Miami in the first half.
The Celtics jumped out to 30-8 lead after the Heat started just 3 for 14 from the field, including 0 for 7 from the 3-point line.
TIP-INS
Heat: Had 15 turnovers. . Shot just 27% from the 3-point line (10 of 37).
Celtics: It was Horford's second career triple-double and first as a Celtic. His first was Jan. 13, 2015, with Atlanta.
PAYING RESPECT
Wade used his shoes to write a special remembrance in honor of rapper Nipsey Hussle , who was shot and killed in Los Angeles on Sunday.
"Nipsey Hussle. Rest in Heaven," the message read.
The 33-year-old Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was an Eritrean-American father of two who was engaged to actress Lauren London. He was lauded for his philanthropic work in the Los Angeles area.
Hussle's friends across the music industry and other stars, including Rihanna and Snoop Dogg, took to social media to express their condolences as well. Many used the opportunity to point out his role in uplifting African Americans through his community initiatives.
UP NEXT
Heat: Host Celtics on Wednesday
Celtics: Visit Heat on Wednesday.
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