Even if the skill was sometimes lacking, the game was rhythmic from start to finish and, not to spoil anything, without too many lost balls. This therefore makes for a lively match, well started by the Celtics (deprived of Jaylen Brown) who strike from afar to take control (25-29). Clumsiness sets in in the second quarter, but Derrick White and Jayson Tatum are responsible for scoring points to confirm Boston's domination at the break (55-61).
Returning from the locker room, the Raptors jostled the Celtics, who conceded several baskets with the foul. Once again, Tatum, with two dunks and his presence, gives some air to his team. The Celtics even finished the third quarter with an 11-0 lead (75-84). The Raptors did not give up and came back with an 8-0. Jrue Holiday responds with two winning shots.
Toronto still has one last chance to snatch an extension or victory but the attempts from distance from Immanuel Quickley and Pascal Siakam do not go in. Derrick White did not miss the target in the corner to ensure the victory (96-105) for the league leaders.
What you must remember
– The clumsiness of the Raptors at 3-points. We can summarize this fourth defeat in a row for Toronto with one statistic: the 3-point address. Shooting 4/32 behind the arc, or only 12% success, the Canadians never found the target. This is what he missed to get in front, to completely destabilize a Boston team sure of its strength. In the second period, they did not score a single winning basket…
– Boston, quiet strength. The Celtics did not have a great game. Nevertheless, seriously, they negotiated the important moments well. The 11-0 at the end of the third quarter was perfect for breathing space. Jrue Holiday's award-winning baskets after the 8-0 pulled the rug out from under the Raptors in the final act. The defense got the job done, the offense responded when needed. A boss match therefore, not brilliant but solid.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
