Celtics tear into Toronto, win 117-94

The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-94 – with three gamers scoring over 20 factors – in one among their greatest performances of the season to this point.

After popping out to a gradual begin, Boston got here again from a 6-14 deficit to complete the primary quarter up 30-26. Jaylen Brown had 8 factors on 3-3 capturing within the first.

Sam Hauser began the second quarter with one other three… after which one other.

Toronto’s massive, defensive wings (like OG Anunuboy, Scottie Barnes, and Chris Boucher, to call a number of) made it tough for Boston to attain, significantly in isolation, however ball motion and protection saved the Celtics forward via the second. The Celtics shot 6-21 from behind the arc within the first half.

Boston took a 55-46 lead going into the break, punctuated by a Jrue Vacation drive and dunk with a couple of minutes left within the second. Jayson Tatum was the one Celtic scoring in double digits on the half, delivering a quiet 17 factors.

Tatum completed with 25 factors, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, a refreshing efficiency after scoring 23 and 16 factors in his final two outings. He was additionally a menace on the defensive finish, and helped his teammates have nice nights on the offensive finish.

Boston struggled to maintain Toronto heart Jakob Poeltl from scoring inside – following a development of failing to maintain up with inside physicality. Poeltl completed with 12 factors on 6-10 capturing.

Jaylen Brown continued his streak of strong video games, ending with 29 factors and 5 rebounds. Brown and Porzingis had been a wonderful tandem – as is widespread for the group this yr – within the third quarter, the place Brown had 14 factors. Porzingis had a strong sport himself, with 21 and seven

Boston couldn’t fairly put the raptors away going into the fourth, beginning the ultimate interval with an 88-71 lead. Toronto didn’t rating for the primary 3 minutes, permitting the Celtics to go up by 25.

The spotlight of the evening got here with 8 minutes left, with a Jay to Jay alley-oop.

That is one among three Brown dunks within the 4th. It felt like much more.

Tatum and Brown remained within the sport till the 5 minute mark, when Boston mercifully pulled them and Horford with a 30 level lead.

Coming off of a relaxation evening in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets final evening, Al Horford seemed spry, scoring from exterior and within the submit.

Not like Horford, Sonic the frisbee canine seemed fairly previous his prime subsequent to his accomplice Matrix, who turned in an inspiring half-time present efficiency.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors in scoring with 17 factors. Former Celtic Dennis Schröder chipped in with 14 factors, and the Raptors completed capturing lower than 40% from the sector and fewer than 30% from deep.

Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes had a disappointing evening. The standout third-year participant had 10 factors on 4-25 capturing.

Raptors’ Gary Trent Jr. was absent from the Raptors’ roster with plantar fasciitis in his proper foot. Trent has been struggling to this point this season, averaging 10 ppg off the bench, however he brings capturing and scoring that Toronto desperately wanted tonight.

All in all, Boston had an expert efficiency and held on to their lead all through the sport, one thing they weren’t recognized for final season or the season earlier than. All three of Boston’s greatest offensive creators had strong and environment friendly nights, and Boston held their first opponent this season to fewer than 100 factors.

The Celtics stay second within the East (behind the Philadelphia 76ers), however at the moment are tied for probably the most wins within the convention.

Boston will proceed their homestand in opposition to the New York Knicks, on Monday at 7:30. The Celtics gained their first sport in opposition to the Knicks within the season opener.

After a Wednesday assembly in Philadelphia, the Celtics will face the Raptors once more this Friday in Toronto for an in-season match matchup.

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