Raptors 115 – Boston Celtics 109: Congrats all around
By Brian Boake
The Raptors took an early lead against the Celtics, gave it back, then took it for keeps late in the fourth quarter. Their win streak stands at six.
The Toronto Raptors needed everyone to have a terrific game against an inspired Boston Celtics team. Happily for the home team and its fans, that’s what occurred. Boston’s play would probably have produced a win 9 games out of 10, but this was the tenth game.
If we create a Maximum Entertainment Value scale, and scatter all the Raptors games on it, this one would head the pack (that unwatchable mess in Brooklyn a few weeks ago would be on the bottom, with the blown lead game in Indiana next). Toronto’s scoring parade was headed up by DeMar DeRozan, who gutted out his second straight 30+ point game. While Kyle Lowry couldn’t match Monday’s effort, he provided 8 assists to complement his 14 points.
Toronto threw down the gauntlet early. We can’t complain of a sluggish start, as the Raptors were making shots from everywhere. Luis Scola was a secret weapon the Celtics didn’t appear ready for. He had 11 points before 9 minutes had been played. The Raptors twice led by 13 but, in a foreshadowing of things to come, allowed the Celtics off the mat.
Boston’s versatility and ability to adjust was in full view in Q2. Several times speedy Avery Bradley was leaking out as soon as a Raptor shot went up, and his mates got him the ball in plenty of time and space to score easy buckets. Coach Brad Stevens brought in his stretch big men, Kelly Olynyk and Jonas Jerebko, and they hit all four long balls they tried. Meanwhile, DeRozan and Lowry managed one basket between them, and the Raptors went into the dressing room down six.
The third quarter provided an offensive onslaught by the Raptors. DeRozan poured in 18, with both drives to the basket and jump shots working. Jonas Valanciunas had no one to bother him, so he scored all six shots he took from in close. Boston didn’t roll over, but they don’t have the weapons Toronto has, and it was our turn to end a quarter up six.
The fourth quarter saw both defenses cranked up to the highest levels. Bismack Biyombo played the bulk of centre’s minutes, though I thought JV had been solid defensively and should have stayed on the floor. Biz did block a pair of shots, but made only one of four free throws, thus rewarding Boston’s hacking. The Raptors didn’t foul at all in Q4, so the visitors had to shot lights-out to win, and they didn’t. Terrence Ross’ last of four made 3-balls was the dagger. Patrick Patterson made two steals in the game’s final forty seconds and the Raptors dribbled out the win.
This was as solid a win as we’ve seen. Luis Scola had a dandy game, ending with 18, with several of his baskets coming on well-judged tip-ins of missed shots. JV didn’t miss any of his nine shots, and grabbed 12 boards. The Raptors’ closers (Biyombo, Patterson, Ross, DeRozan, Lowry) once again brought a close game to a successful conclusion.
Toronto fans get to crank up their booing, as Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat are here tomorrow night.