In an exhilarating Friday night clash at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown’s stellar 31-point performance, narrowly defeated the Toronto Raptors 120-118. Brown’s return from a one-game absence due to a back injury proved pivotal for the Celtics, who have maintained an impeccable home record.
The game reached a climax when Scottie Barnes of the Raptors tied it at 116 with a 3-pointer with just 47 seconds left on the clock. However, it was Brown’s timely assist to Luke Kornet for a dunk with 32 seconds remaining that gave Boston the edge. The final moments were tense, with Barnes unable to convert a crucial drive and Pascal Siakam of the Raptors missing the second of two free throws in the last seconds, a strategy aimed at securing an offensive rebound and a shot at victory.
Brown’s impact was felt right from the start as he hit 3-pointers on three consecutive possessions in the first quarter, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Additionally, he contributed 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-round capabilities. Despite downplaying the significance of his back injury, Brown’s performance indicated his critical role in the Celtics’ lineup.
Derrick White and Luke Kornet were also significant contributors, with 21 and 20 points respectively. However, the Celtics’ 16 turnovers, which led to 22 points for Toronto, highlighted an area of concern.
The Raptors, led by Barnes with 30 points and Siakam with 28, pushed the Celtics to the limit. Dennis Schroder’s 3-pointer gave Toronto a brief lead in the fourth quarter, signaling their resilience.
Boston, playing without Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, improved their record to 25-6, the best in the league, and remained undefeated at home. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his confidence in the team’s depth and character, praising Kornet’s performance in his first start of the season.
The Celtics have now won all three meetings this season against the Raptors and look to extend their winning streak in their next game at San Antonio. The Raptors, meanwhile, face the Detroit Pistons next, hoping to rebound from this narrow defeat. This victory for Boston underscores their depth and ability to win under challenging circumstances, bolstering their position as one of the top teams in the NBA.
