The Boston Celtics had their league-best 16-game winning streak snapped facing the Miami Heat on Wednesday, once again trailing throughout the game. This deficit ultimately proved more that the Celtics could chew, as the Heat clamped down during the last stretches off the game to survive a plus-10 fourth quarter for Irving's team-high 23 points.
“There's still a lot to accomplish going forward,” Irving said post-game, according to ESPN's Israel Gutierrez. “It was a nice streak. But it was time to come to an end.”
The Celtics faced an inspired night from the Heat's backcourt, as Goran Dragic posted a game-high 27 points and his running mate Dion Waiters chipped in with 26 of his own.
Article Continues Below“You could tell they were locked in all night,” Irving said. “They wanted it. You gotta credit their energy.”
Boston had built a reputation as comeback kids, especially after topping the Dallas Mavericks during overtime on Monday.
The Heat managed to get a clutch win amid their “code red” struggles of late, putting together a great outing against a red-hot Boston team.
The Celtics struggled, shooting 41 percent from the floor and 35 percent from deep, but still have the league's best record at 16-3 and now have the chance to start another streak against the Orlando Magic, coming back home to the TD Garden on Friday.