Boston Celtics at Raptors: Preview & 3 keys to victory
By Brian Boake
A hungry group of Celtics take on the Raptors tonight. They ducked into the playoffs last season and want to do it again.
The Boston Celtics are the second team to visit the Toronto Raptors during this 7-game home stand. One of the NBA’s most iconic franchises has been hovering around .500 all season, but has lost five of its last eight games.
The men in green have been pests for a while, but no member of their lineup looks ready to win any awards in the near future. The team of Bird, McHale, Cousy, Rusell and Havlicek has no stars; instead relying on depth and good coaching to remain in the playoff hunt.
Like the Raptors, Boston relies on its backcourt to generate points. And they do, despite being the NBA’s tiniest pairing. Kyle Lowry will get to look down on Isaiah Thomas, the famous #60 pick in the 2011 draft. He’s the closest thing to Damon Stoudamire I’ve ever seen, including left-handedness. Thomas has elevated himself from curiosity to stardom, and is Boston’s highest scorer and dropper of dimes. Avery Bradley races around the perimeter to get open; like Thomas, he can score from anywhere. Both of them are pesky defenders looking to pick the pockets of careless ballhandlers.
At power forward, and no longer in our colours, Amir Johnson is a reliable rebounder and occasional scorer. Jae Crowder has blossomed under coach Brad Stevens’ tutelage. I didn’t think much of his signing as a free agent, but he’s scoring inside and out. At the third forward spot (yes, that’s how they list them) is big-bodied Jared Sullinger, who crashes the boards, often accompanied by an unwitting opponent.
Off the bench comes an assortment of capable backups. Marcus Smart was a prize draft pick in 2014 who’s still learning his trade at point guard. Kelly Olynyk is that rara avis, a stretch-5. He’s shooting over 42% from beyond the arc, and can put the ball on the floor if his defender chases him off the line. Evan Turner has been around too long for anyone to think he’s going to be the star his lofty draft position (#2 in 2010) suggested. However, he’s a useful backup swingman, though no threat as a 3-point shooter. David Lee is playing out the string. Once a dandy power forward, he’s a highly-paid afterthought in Boston. I’ve heard whispers about him being traded to our team, but I believe that to be wishful thinking by Celtics fans.
The Raptors took their time before disposing of the Brooklyn Nets. They can do the same against Boston if they…:
- …attack the basket. Unless backup Tyler Zeller is on the floor, the Celtics have no rim protection to speak of. Jonas Valanciunas had a tough night against Brook Lopez, but should be able to dominate down low. Look for a lot of drive & dish from Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan.
- …don’t relax. Boston has played a bunch of close games. Their motion-oriented offense and swarming defense rarely break down enough to allow an opponent to blow them out.
- …protect our paint. Boston ranks 28th in 3-point shooting percentage, so if our defenders can force them to the outside, we’ll be in solid shape. If they can beat us with mid-range jumpers, my hat is off to them.
The Raptors got through the trap game, albeit with a few wobbles. I think they can take this one as well, but it won’t be easy. Toronto 101-Boston 97.