BOSTON — Make it 1-0 for the Boston Celtics of their “Metropolis Version” jerseys. Nevertheless it wasn’t simple even in opposition to the lowly Toronto Raptors.
The new look definitely didn’t deliver the Celtics any superpowers as they performed all the way down to the far much less proficient Raptors for components of three quarters. However the Celtics did simply barely sufficient to squeak out a 126-123 extra time win on the buzzer Saturday evening at TD Backyard.
The Raptors outworked the Celtics to take a seven-point lead — their largest of the sport — halfway via the third quarter. However then Boston rallied again and went back-and-forth with the Raptors within the fourth quarter and extra time earlier than Jayson Tatum stepped up because the hero for Boston.
Listed below are three studs and three duds from Boston’s win means too shut of a win over the Raptors:
STUDS
Jayson Tatum
Tatum bought redemption. It regarded prefer it was going to be an terrible ending to Tatum’s efficiency when he bricked a wide-open free-throw line jumper as time expired in regulation, which might have lifted the Celtics to a win. He made essentially the most of his second probability, although, hitting a deep, buzzer-beating 3-pointer in extra time to provide the Celtics the win. Tatum tallied a close to triple-double by scoring 24, grabbing 11 rebounds and meting out 9 assists.
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Jaylen Brown
Brown was hounded by the Raptors protection all evening, however he fought via to ship a big-time efficiency. He fought Toronto’s aggression with a few of his personal, attending to the free-throw line 10 instances and making 9 makes an attempt. He additionally got here up with a block and buried two key 3-pointers within the further body. He completed with a team-high 27 factors to associate with seven assists and 6 rebounds.
Jakob Poeltl
Poeltl virtually grew to become a member of the Celtics two seasons in the past — the San Antonio Spurs reportedly rejected Boston’s supply and despatched him to Toronto — and he confirmed Boston what it missed out on. The veteran massive man was an absolute pressure, scoring a game-high 35 factors on a extremely environment friendly 16-for-19 capturing. He additionally grabbed 12 rebounds. With the craze of the 3-point shot within the fashionable NBA, Poeltl delivered a throwback efficiency by going to work solely within the paint.
DUDS
Payton Pritchard
Pritchard has constantly offered a prompt the bench this season along with his long-range capturing, however he didn’t have the contact to ignite the Celtics in opposition to the Raptors. Pritchard missed all six of his pictures within the first half — 5 of which had been from 3-point land — and completed with six factors on 2-for-8 capturing. Pritchard did hit back-to-back treys within the third quarter which spurred the Celtics, however Boston wanted extra from him.
Gradey Dick
The Raptors have excessive hopes for Dick after deciding on him in thirteenth total within the 2023 NBA Draft. However the soon-to-be 21-year-old didn’t appear to be a lottery decide in opposition to the Celtics. Dick is understood for his capturing capability, however he struggled mightily along with his shot. He went a putrid 3-for-12 from the ground to come back away with 9 factors. The 6-foot-6 capturing guard did create some unintentional comedy although when guarded by Derrick White.
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Celtics paint safety
Whether or not it’s designed this manner by Mazzulla, the weak point of the Celtics protection is by far rim safety. And the Raptors exploited it by scoring 76 factors within the paint. The Raptors solely hit 9 3-pointers, however that didn’t matter with Toronto regularly getting in shut and ending high-percentage pictures. Boston’s rim safety ought to enhance when Kristaps Porzingis returns, however for the time being, it’s abysmal.
