Last team in the league to start the “In-Season Tournament”, the Raptors fought fiercely against the Celtics leaders of the Eastern Conference, but finally surrendered in the final moments (108-105).
Relegated to -16 at the break after another inconsistent first half (32 points in the first quarter then only 17 in the second), Darko Rajakovic’s players, unlike the previous match against the Bucks, however released the head of the water in the second half, under the impetus of the awakening of Pascal Siakamabsent from the second quarter because of his three fouls before being a hit in the third quarter (23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists), and the seriousness of Dennis Schröder (23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists).
The residents of the Scotiabank Arena played eye to eye throughout the fourth quarter against teammates of a solid Jaylen Brown (23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 interception and 1 block), and it’s finally Derrick White (13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists), with a winning shot 30 seconds from the end, which tipped the scales in favor of the club Boston. The players of Toronto certainly lost, but they can certainly appreciate their effort, reassuring after a worrying outing Wednesday against Milwaukee.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Positive in the defeat for Toronto. Difficult of course after such an effort concluded in a defeat to be satisfied with a “moral victory”, but there are nevertheless many positives to remember in this defeat for the Raptors. Particularly their awakening in the third quarter (32-19), a few minutes after a mediocre second act (17-39). The teammates of Pascal Siakam, at the initiative of this revolt, still cannot deliver consistent first halves, but they have at least shown, against the best team in the Eastern Conference, that they can rebel and draw on their mental resources.
– A collective effort from the Celtics. Faced with this resilient Raptors squad, the Celtics worked together to ensure they left Canada with a victory: seven players finished with 11 points or more! Unofficial man of the match for the C’s, Jaylen Brown delivered a sober and efficient performance, while Jayson Tatum struggled more in attack (17 points on 8/22 on shots). Furthermore, the volume of play of Kristaps Porzingis (14 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks) near the circle as well as the “all-around” contribution of Jrue Holiday (14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists) also contributed to Boston’s success.
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.
