Irving’s late flurry helps Celtics top Heat

MIAMI — Kyrie Irving scored nine of his 24 points in the final 2:03, and the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to four games after holding on late to beat the Miami Heat 96-90 on Saturday night.

Jayson Tatum scored 20 and Marcus Smart added 16 for the Celtics, who beat Miami for the eighth consecutive time.

It was Irving’s eighth time playing at Miami — and the first time he was part of a win. Miami cut Boston’s lead to two on a pair of occasions late, and Irving answered with a basket both times to give the Celtics some breathing room.

He sealed the win with 57 seconds left, connecting on a 3-pointer for a 93-86 lead.

THUNDER 101, BULLS 69: Russell Westbrook posted a triple-double against the Bulls for the first time Saturday night, finishing with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists in just 28 minutes of the Thunder’s cakewalk win.

As for the Bulls’ point guard play, well, Kris Dunn made his season debut and his case to supplant Jerian Grant as the starter. But he left with about five minutes remaining, wincing after banging his injured finger while pursuing a loose ball, proving yet again how unstable that position has been for the franchise.

76ERS 112, MAVERICKS 110: Ben Simmons had 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Dallas Mavericks for their second win of the season. Joel Embiid added 23 points and nine rebounds as the 76ers won in Dallas for the first time since Jan. 29, 2005. GRIZZLIES 103, ROCKETS 89: Chandler Parsons finally gave Memphis fans what they’ve waited for, scoring 24 points on accurate shooting to lead the Grizzlies over the Houston Rockets. Parsons, who has struggled and battled injuries since signing with the Grizzlies last season, was part of a Memphis bench effort that dominated the Rockets’ reserves.