Boston Celtics 78-96 Toronto Raptors: 5 talking points
The Boston Celtics were coming off a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on the road just a night ago and they had previously beaten the Raptors at home last Saturday. When these sides met last Saturday, the Raptors lost the plot in the fourth quarter. This fixture failed to live up to its expectation, which considered by pundits to be a glimpse of the Playoffs before the game started. The absence of Kyrie Irving was felt significantly today. Terry Rozier, who was rested due to ankle concerns against the Bucks, returned to the starting line up, although his contribution was insignificant.
The Raptors, meanwhile, were coming off a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road, were determined to maintain their home record. They are currently matching their franchise home record for games won in the regular season, sitting currently at 32-7, with their record previously 32-9. They still have two homes game left in the regular season.
Here are the five talking points from the game:
#5 Boston's offensive failure
Tonight was definitely a night to forget for the Celtics. They came off short on all ends of the offensive side of the floor. They were barely connecting on jump shots and three's. The previous meeting, Boston was running the floor and penetrating the paint continuously. This time they failed miserably.
Jayson Tatum, the highly rated rookie came out empty although firing from all cylinders finishing the game with just eight points. A lot of pressure and hope is riding on Tatum to perform in the playoffs as Irving will be absent till the second round. Terry Rozier picked up only two points shooting only an FG% of 11.1% throughout the game.
The Celtics had only three players who scored points in double digits. Marcus Morris ended the night with 21 points on an efficient shooting of 50%. Al Horford and Greg Monroe contributed 16 and 17 points respectively with Monroe shooting at 57.1%. The Celtics were fouled plenty by the Raptors (28 free-throws as compared to 8 by Toronto) and sent to the line continuously but missing several chances for three-point plays.
The team maintained an 89.3% free throw completion rate.