Irving: It was time for Celtics' winning streak 'to come to an end'
Nothing lasts forever.
Playing from behind had proven to be a successful formula for the Boston Celtics throughout the course of their 16-game winning streak, with eight of those victories coming after trailing in the fourth quarter. Their good fortune ran out Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena, though, with Boston's streak snapped at the hands of the Miami Heat, 104-98.
"There's still a lot to accomplish going forward," Celtics star Kyrie Irving said afterward, according to ESPN's Israel Gutierrez. "It was a nice streak. But it was time to come to an end."
Related: How the Heat brought the Celtics back to Earth
The Celtics last tasted defeat Oct. 18 when they dropped their home opener to the Milwaukee Bucks, one night after Gordon Hayward suffered season-ending injuries in the first five minutes on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A late rally against Miami brought Boston to within a point, 91-90, on the heels of a 13-0 run in the final quarter. Consecutive 3-pointers from Heat guard Dion Waiters, though, created enough breathing room to stave off the surging Celtics and ultimately bring their streak to a screeching halt.
Miami led by as many as 18 points in the first half, and finished shooting nearly 50 percent from the field against the league's top defensive unit. They also handled their business on the glass, outrebounding the Celtics 48-37.
"You could tell they were locked in all night," Irving said. "They wanted it. You gotta credit their energy."
After dropping a season-high 47 points against the Dallas Mavericks earlier in the week, Irving chipped in 23 points on 11-of-22 shooting in 33 minutes of action against the Heat.
Boston will host the visiting Orlando Magic at the TD Garden on Friday.