### Celtics Stage Dramatic Comeback Led by Anfernee Simons' Season-High Performance - In a thrilling NBA matchup on January 16, 2026, the Boston Celtics overcame a significant 19-point deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 119-114. Anfernee Simons played a pivotal role, scoring a season-high 39 points, with 18 of those coming in a decisive fourth quarter. This victory marks the Celtics' second-largest comeback of the season, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points, while Sam Hauser added 17. The Heat, missing key players Davion Mitchell and Jaime Jaquez Jr., saw Norman Powell lead their scoring with 26 points, supported by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, who each scored 22 points. The Celtics are set to face the Atlanta Hawks next, while the Heat will host the Oklahoma City Thunder [https://apnews.com/article/celtics-heat-score-1a605d133caf475c96018e127ffc5aae]. ### Breakdown of the Celtics' Comeback Victory 1. **Game Overview** - The Celtics started the game slowly but rallied in the fourth quarter to secure the win. - Anfernee Simons' performance off the bench was crucial to the comeback. 2. **Key Player Contributions** - Anfernee Simons: 39 points (18 in the fourth quarter), 13-for-28 shooting. - Jaylen Brown: 27 points, returning from back spasms. - Sam Hauser: 17 points, providing essential support. 3. **Miami Heat's Performance** - Norman Powell led the Heat with 26 points. - Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro each contributed 22 points. - The Heat played without two key players, impacting their performance. 4. **Next Matchups** - The Celtics will visit the Atlanta Hawks in their next game. - The Heat will host the Oklahoma City Thunder. ### Supporting Data and Performance Metrics - **Celtics' Scoring Breakdown:** - Anfernee Simons: 39 points (13-for-28 FG) - Jaylen Brown: 27 points - Sam Hauser: 17 points - **Heat's Scoring Breakdown:** - Norman Powell: 26 points - Bam Adebayo: 22 points - Tyler Herro: 22 points - **Fourth Quarter Performance:** - Celtics outscored the Heat 36-21 in the final quarter, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/anfernee-simons-sizzles-39-points-032212030.html, https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/01/15/sports/celtics-119-heat-114-nba-basketball]. ### Conclusion: A Night of Resilience for the Celtics - **Key Takeaways:** 1. Anfernee Simons' explosive performance was instrumental in the Celtics' comeback victory. 2. The Celtics demonstrated resilience by overcoming a significant deficit, showcasing their potential as a strong playoff contender. 3. The absence of key players for the Heat may have influenced the game's outcome, but the Celtics capitalized on their opportunities. - The Celtics' ability to rally in the fourth quarter and secure a win against the Heat highlights their competitive spirit and depth, setting the stage for their upcoming games [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/simons-scores-39-points-off-031106696.html, https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/01/15/anfernee-simons-erupts-to-power-massive-celtics-comeback-in-win-over-heat].