The Boston Celtics set the tone from the opening quarter, but Miami managed to hang around for three periods in a physical, high-intensity game. The home team eventually pulled away 129-116 thanks to a devastating fourth-quarter run, knocking down 10 three-pointers and flipping the game behind Derrick White, who starred with 33 points and key reads in crunch time.

In the middle of that battle, Simone Fontecchio stood out. The Italian forward scored 12 points (4-for-9 from three), recording his 13th double-digit scoring game of the season in a tough night for Miami. The performance came just days after the win over the Nets, when Fontecchio had already spoken about feeling the trust of coach Erik Spoelstra, who continues to give him daily guidance as he grows within a team he joined last summer.

There isn’t one specific piece of advice he’s given me. On a daily basis he shows a lot of confidence in me. It’s a stretch where I’m not shooting the ball great, but he keeps putting me on the floor and pushing me to give my best. Feeling that kind of trust is fundamental for a player.

Simone Fontecchio

Against Boston, Spoelstra shortened the rotation and Fontecchio became the team’s sixth man, logging a season-high 30:28 minutes. He responded with a solid, well-rounded performance: in addition to his 12 points, he grabbed 2 rebounds and handed out 4 assists, contributing across the board.

I always try to help the team. Even when my shooting percentages aren’t there, I try to crash the boards, help the team in other ways. I’m trying to improve.

Simone Fontecchio

Despite the loss, Fontecchio’s showing was a clear sign that when space tightens against a physical, aggressive defense like Boston’s, he’s ready to step up by relying on confidence and continuity.

In a game where Miami fought until the end, Fontecchio’s growth stood out as a key takeaway, further confirming his increasingly important role in the Heat rotation.