Boston
Jonas Jerebko and Rodney Hood also finished with 17 points for the Jazz, who snapped a four-game losing streak. It was Utah’s first victory in Boston since 2008, a span of nine games.
But the win came at a cost. Jazz center Rudy Gobert left the game early in the first quarter with a left knee injury after teammate Derrick Favors fell backward into his leg. Gobert was able to walk off the court on his own power, but went straight to the locker room and did not return.
The second quarter brought more injuries. First, Boston’s Daniel Theis left with a facial injury. Later, Jaylen Brown of the Celtics caught Favors with an incidental elbow, leaving him bleeding from his left eye and Brown from his elbow. Favors received six stitches and did not return.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 33 points. Al Horford added 21 points and seven assists.
Friday was the first meeting between the teams since Gordon Hayward left Utah in free agency last summer to join the Celtics. But Hayward could only watch as he continues to rehab from the broken left ankle he suffered in Boston’s season opener.
Hayward Return?: Hayward is open to playing this season, but said it will depend on how fast he is able to heal and show progress as he works his way back from a broken left ankle.
Hayward was a spectator at TD Garden for Friday’s matchup with Jazz, the team he left this past summer in free agency after seven seasons to sign a four-year, $128 million contract with the Celtics.
“My mind is open to that,” Hayward said of the possibility of returning to game action before season’s end. “I’m trying to get back as fast as I can. It all depends on how I heal, and taking it day-by-day, goal by goal. We’ll see what happens.”
Wednesday marked a milestone in Hayward’s recovery process, when he was able to shed the walking boot he’s been using since his surgery in October. He will continue to wear a protective brace during the rehab process.
Morris Update: Marcus Morris (knee soreness) sat out his fourth straight game and won’t travel for the upcoming two-game trip. Morris has played in just 16 games this season while dealing with the injury and recently sought a second opinion on it.
Heat 104, Hornets 98
Charlotte, n.c.
It was Miami’s 24th win in its past 30 games against Charlotte, which opened a stretch of six of seven home games with a loss. Johnson and Ellington combined for 10-of-16 shooting on 3-pointers.
Thunder 119, Sixers 117 (3 ot)
Philadelphia
Andre Roberson scored the winner with 10 seconds left for the Thunder. But one of the early contenders for NBA game of the year belonged to Joel Embiid and Westbrook as they drove, blocked and rebounded their way toward one big play after another.
Trail Blazers 95, Magic 88
Orlando, Fla.
The Trail Blazers led by 17 with 7:26 left in the game, but needed late contributions from Al-Farouq Aminu and Jusuf Nurkic to slam the door.
Wizards 100, Clippers 91
Washington
Scott scored 10 points in the third quarter, hitting four of his five shots from the field.
Raptors 120, Nets 87
Toronto
Serge Ibaka scored 18 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 14 as Toronto won its eighth consecutive home game and improved to 10-1 at Air Canada Centre.
Pistons 104, Pacers 98
Indianapolis
Grizzlies 96, Hawks 94
Memphis, Tenn.
The Hawks had three shots in the closing seconds, all of which misfired, including Andrew Harrison’s block of Taurean Prince’s attempt in the left corner with 1.2 seconds left.
The ball went into Kent Bazemore’s hands and his 3-point attempt at the horn bounced off the front of the rim.