Tatum drops 49; Celtics torch Heat

NEW YORK (AFP) — Jayson Tatum put up a season-high 49 points as the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics enjoyed a 134-121 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday.

With the victory, in front of the watching British royals Prince William and his wife Kate, the Celtics extended their home winning streak to ten games.

It was Tatum's ninth 30-point game in November, tying his personal best month — only Larry Bird has produced more 30-point games in a calendar month for the storied Boston team.

Tatum, who received chants of "MVP" whenever he went to the free throw line, shot 15-of-25 from the floor, made eight of his 12 three-point attempts, as well as 11 of 12 free throws. He also collected 11 rebounds.

The 24-year-old set the tone of Boston's dominance from the outset, scoring six points in the opening minute and putting 28 points on the board by half time.

The Heat tried to keep pace with their free-scoring opponents, with Max Strus and Bam Adebayo scoring 23 points each. Adebayo was ejected in the final moments after two technical fouls.

The fifth straight win for the Celtics (18-4) came in what was a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference final and although Miami were without their star forward Jimmy Butler, Tatum felt it was a significant result.