The last time the Celtics and Raptors met, it was arguably Boston’s lowest point of the season. They were blown out 110-97 back on Jan. 15 as they were in the middle of their inconsistencies. The Raptors were more than happy to let the reigning champs know they lost. Kristaps Porzingis, usually positive, was dejected after the loss.
So the Celtics knew the assignment this time. Even though they were down four key rotation guys Tuesday, they still went in and beat the pesky Raptors 111-101 in Toronto. It was just one win, their sixth straight, but Jayson Tatum spoke about going to get this victory in particular.
“We wanted this one,” Tatum told reporters in Toronto. “Last time, they celebrated and (expletive) when they beat us. That’s to be expected. Everybody gonna play hard and better against us. But we came in here with a chip on our shoulder and we were going to figure out a way to win this game.”
The Raptors put up a worthy fight Tuesday as they kept the pressure on the Celtics. While Boston led for the majority of the game, Toronto kept it within striking distance before the C’s put the finishing touches late. Guys like Scottie Barnes were also more than happy to talk away during the game to try to get in some of the Celtics’ heads.
The C’s played without Porzingis, Al Horford, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet on Tuesday, meaning they went small for multiple stretches. Tatum even got jump-ball duties to start the game, which he won. That’s life over an 82-game season, where Tatum and the depth guys need to make it work on some nights like they did Tuesday.
Realistically, Tuesday’s win didn’t change the course of the season nor was it some grand victory. But it was a win and that’s what the Celtics came to Toronto for. Now, they get a surging Pistons team that has won seven games, set for 7 p.m. Wednesday in Detroit.
“Just a mindset,” Tatum said. “We’re a championship team. We’ll figure it out. Guys is out. We gotta go small, per se, we’re doing different things. We just figure out a way to win. Guys rebounding, making second and third efforts. JD (Davison) and Baylor (Scheierman) coming into the game and Jordan (Walsh). It’s just part of the culture. We figure out a way to win, regardless of the circumstance.”
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
