While the Celtics looked like they were going to run away with the game, the Raptors kept battling on their home court. But the C’s still walked away with the 105-96 win over the Raptors on Monday in Toronto. The Celtics improved upon their league-best 31-9 record, while the Raptors fell to 15-25.
The Celtics were careless with five turnovers in the first quarter, but they were still able to build up a small lead. They looked like they were in control when they built up an 11-point lead in the second quarter, but the Raptors made it close by halftime.
The third quarter is where the C’s saw some of their play unravel. The Raptors put together an 11-0 run at one point, looking like the aggressors coming out of halftime. But the C’s had an impressive response with a 20-4 run to end the third quarter.
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The Celtics once again looked like they were going to blow the game open when they went up 14 points early in the fourth quarter. But the Raptors continued to scrap to make it a close game. Still, the C’s executed in crunch time for the win.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Derrick White and Jrue Holiday had 22 points each. The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown, who’s dealing with right knee hyperextension. RJ Barrett had a big night with 24 points and nine rebounds; Immanuel Quickley also had 21 points.
The Celtics return to TD Garden to host the Spurs and No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Here are four takeaways from Boston’s win over Toronto:
Impressive response, finish: When the Raptors went up seven points in the third quarter, it looked like it was going to be another disastrous frame for the Celtics. Instead, they immediately flipped the narrative by dominating from there. The Celtics responded with a 30-9 run from that point when the game was still in doubt. In the fourth, when the Raptors cut a 14-point C’s lead to a four-point game with two minutes left, but the Celtics smoothly finished off the win from there.
Another close game: While the Celtics have now swept the season series over the Raptors 4-0, that record could’ve been significantly difference. Game 1 between the teams was a blowout C’s win, but since then, the teams have dueled between tight games. Coming into Monday, the Celtics’ last two wins over the Raptors were by just five points. While it was a nine-point game Monday and had a bit more cushion, the Raptors definitely made the Celtics work for the victory.
Balanced scoring: While none of the Celtics had huge scoring nights, the starting lineup did most of the damage Monday. All five starters were in double-figures, ranging from between 10 points to 22 points. Part of the Celtics’ advantage also came from the 3-point line as they shot 41% from behind the arc while the Raptors were at just 12.5%. Considering it was a close game late, those misses and makes were huge Monday for the Raptors.
Transition difference: The Raptors have looked like an improved offensive team ever since they traded for Barrett and Quickley from the Knicks. Part of that has been Barrett playing some impressive basketball following the deal, though the Raptors also like to get out in transition for easy buckets. That was again the case Monday. Toronto had 30 fast-break points compared to just 15 for the Celtics. That was a significant difference as the Raptors were able to pick up some easy buckets, though their lack of 3-pointers was a tough blow.
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