Key Moment

Jeff Green had the opening word, but LeBron James had the final say.

James scored the final two points of Monday night’s game between the Celtics and Heat to push Miami to its 23rd straight victory. His basket spoiled Green’s career night that included a career-high 43 points.

Miami’s most critical basket arrived from an area where James had not attempted a single shot all night long. He took possession of the ball on the left wing and faced up on his defender, Green, from about 25 feet away. After using a couple of dribbles to gain some separation from Green, James pulled up and drilled a 21-foot jumper with 10.5 seconds left on the clock. That basket put Miami on top 105-103, which was the game’s final score.

James’ basket was scored early enough to provide Boston with a couple of chances to tie or win the game. Their initial possession resulted in a driving layup attempt by Green that was blocked by Shane Battier. After a lengthy video review to determine who touched the ball last, Boston retained possession along the baseline. Paul Pierce wound up attempting a 3-pointer from the right wing on the ensuing play but his shot came up short.

The Celtics’ inability to score in the clutch allowed James and his teammates to walk off of the court victorious. That’s nothing new for Miami, but celebrating in spite of an opposing player’s career night certainly is.

Box Score Nuggets

• Five players in the game scored at least 16 points.
• Boston led by as many as 17 points in the first half.
• The Celtics shot 10-of-21 from 3-point range.
• Paul Pierce neared a triple-double with 17 points, eight boards and eight assists, but he also committed seven turnovers.
• Miami grabbed 10 offensive rebounds but scored only six second-chance points.
• Jeff Green scored a game-high and career-high 43 points.
• The Celtics were whistled for 26 fouls.
• LeBron James led the Heat with 37 points and a game-high 12 assists.
• Boston's scoring decreased in each quarter (31 in the first, 28 in the second, 23 in the third, 21 in the fourth).
• Mario Chalmers made four of his five 3-pointers.
• Miami scored 50 points in the paint.
• Green blocked a game-high four shots.
• Courtney Lee stuffed the box score with 13 points, three rebounds, four assists and three steals.