The Boston Celtics faced off against the Toronto Raptors on January 16, 2025, and unfortunately for them, it turned into a tough night. The Celtics lost 110-97, marking a disappointing end to their ten-game winning streak against the Raptors, a team they had been successful against in the past. With some of their key players struggling, the game highlighted significant challenges for Boston as they move forward.
Back to the Eastern Conference After Tough West Games
After a stretch of games on the challenging Western Conference road, the Celtics returned to face the Raptors. They had a mixed record of 4-2 during their trips out West, hinting at an exhausting few weeks. However, fans had high hopes as the Celtics tried to regain their footing against a familiar foe in Toronto.
Celtics Struggle from the Start
The game didn’t start as the Celtics had hoped. From the opening tip-off, they found themselves trailing, stumbling and missing shots while the Raptors quickly built a lead. Despite some efforts to catch up, the Celtics spent much of the night just trying to keep up with the pace set by Toronto.
Tatum and Brown Can’t Find Their Rhythm
Unfortunately for Boston, star players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had a particularly tough night. Together, they managed to score only 26 points but had a rough shooting night, making just 9 of 31 shots. Their inability to find the basket effectively limited the team’s chances to turn the game around.
Porzingis Keeps Celtics Afloat
Despite the struggles of his fellow teammates, Kristaps Porzingis came through with a strong performance, leading the Celtics by scoring 18 points on 7 of 11 shooting. He provided some moments of hope, especially during the first half when his scoring kept Boston in the mix, keeping the deficit from growing too large.
Pritchard’s Spark Off the Bench
Payton Pritchard also had a standout night, scoring 20 points off the bench, which was crucial in trying to close the gap against the Raptors. His contributions demonstrated that even when the starters faced difficulty, the bench players could step up. However, it wasn’t enough to change the overall outcome of the game.
Raptors’ Strong Performances
The Raptors had their own impressive display, led by RJ Barrett, who scored 22 points and made significant contributions with 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Additionally, all five Raptors starters scored in double digits, which was a big factor in their victory, showing a balanced offensive attack.
Looking Ahead
While the Celtics were disappointed with this game, they won’t have time to dwell on it, as they are set to face the Orlando Magic next on January 17, 2025. The Celtics will be looking to bounce back and reclaim their winning form, especially after this rough outing against the Raptors.
| Player | Points | Field Goals | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristaps Porzingis | 18 | 7-11 | N/A |
| Payton Pritchard | 20 | N/A | N/A |
| Jayson Tatum | X | 4-16 | N/A |
| Jaylen Brown | X | 5-15 | N/A |
| RJ Barrett (TOR) | 22 | N/A | 11 |
