The Toronto Raptors experienced a game of extreme highs and lows on Sunday afternoon, narrowly avoiding a blowout loss with a spirited comeback before ultimately falling 121-113 to the visiting Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena.
A Tale of Two Halves
The contest could not have started worse for the home side. The Celtics, one of the NBA's hottest teams, exploded for 75 first-half points, building a lead that ballooned to as many as 23 points. Boston's offense was a well-oiled machine, moving the ball with precision and launching a barrage of three-pointers against a porous Raptors defense.
Just when it seemed the game was destined to be a complete humiliation, the Raptors flipped the script after halftime. Led by Brandon Ingram's 30 points and a strong all-around effort from Scottie Barnes (18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists), Toronto clawed its way back. The Raptors' surge was so significant that they briefly seized the lead in the fourth quarter, stunning the Celtics and energizing the home crowd.
Celtics Survive Despite Key Absences
The Celtics' performance is particularly impressive given their circumstances. The team has been playing without its superstar, Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from a right Achilles tear suffered last May. Many expected this to be a rebuilding year for Boston after also losing key veterans in the offseason.
Instead, led by Jaylen Brown's 29-point per game average (he scored 30 on Sunday), the Celtics have thrived. They entered the game with the second-best offensive rating in the league and solidified their hold on third place in the Eastern Conference with the win. Their strategy was clear against Toronto: they attempted a staggering 47 three-pointers, making 20, compared to just 21 attempts from the Raptors.
Raptors' Struggles and Silver Linings
The loss marks Toronto's fifth defeat in its last six games, highlighting a concerning trend. Offensive struggles have plagued the team, especially in the absence of forward RJ Barrett, who has missed eight games with a knee injury. Head coach Darko Rajakovic indicated an update on Barrett's status would come Monday; his return would provide a major boost to a sputtering offense.
There were some positive signs amidst the defeat. Canadian wing A.J. Lawson, recalled from the G League, provided an immediate spark off the bench, scoring 10 points in 13 minutes in his season debut. His energy and cutting ability offered a glimpse of the depth the Raptors can tap into. Ochai Agbaji also contributed 11 points in 22 minutes.
The game also featured an emotional moment for a former Raptor. Chris Boucher, who played 406 games for Toronto and was the last remaining link to the 2019 championship team, received a warm tribute video and ovation in his first game back as a Celtic. Boucher, however, did not see playing time.
The Raptors must now quickly regroup as the national spotlight turns to them. They are scheduled to face the New York Knicks on Tuesday in an NBA Cup semifinal, a high-stakes game that will require a complete 48-minute effort, not just the strong second half they showed against Boston.