It was not the brightest game of the season – not even close – but at least it served the Celtics to return to the victorious path and place themselves with a positive balance (11-10).
After two consecutive defeats, Boston visited Toronto in a meeting with the terrifying end of the game they had in San Antonio. They did it, but not with the expected path, since Jayson Tatum, their top star, had a difficult night to stay in only eight points with a 2 of 16 in shots from the field; yes, he had 7 rebounds and 10 assists.
With Tatum in the shadows, it was others like Marcus Smart (21 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists) or Al Horford (double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds) who carried the offensive weight of the Massachusetts team. In Boston they are aware of being far from the level they want, but at least they have managed to react after the last debacle.
“The way we lost the game to San Antonio was really tough. Being able to get back into action and respond the way we did is just a sign of growth. I know it is something that we have repeated a lot this year, but it is true, “says Smart.
The Celtics won, but it wasn’t easy. The Raptors, who did not have Gary Trent Jr. due to injury, remained in the fight for the victory to the point of being only one down (83-84) already immersed in the last period. It was then that the greens signed a 14-2 run to 85-98 up. Toronto tried, but couldn’t get up.
“I think the guys played with intensity for most of the game, but it wasn’t enough to get the victory,” says Fred VanVleet, the night’s top scorer with 27 points.
Rookie Scottie Barnes, who had 21 points and 7 rebounds, as well as Pascal Siakam, who went up to 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, also had an outstanding performance. Nick Nurse agreed with VanVleet’s assessment: “I’m quite proud of the boys’ effort,” he says.
(Photograph by Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
