The Toronto Raptors were 16.5 point underdogs against the Boston Celtics, but nearly pulled off the massive upset coming up short in overtime 126-123.
Jakob Poeltl dominance
Poeltl got things going in the second quarter and rolled from there. He made the most of his touches as the big man followed up his 25-point and 19-rebound performance from Nov. 15 with another magnificent outing. Poeltl put up a career-high 35 points on an insane 16-for-19 shooting from the field to go along with 12 rebounds. He torched the Celtics inside as Toronto outscored Boston 76-42 in the paint. Poeltl continues to have a career-year and has been reliable for a Raptors team that has been decimated with injuries.
RJ Barrett triple-double
Barrett posted the first triple-double of his career in the loss to the Celtics. He had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists becoming the first ever Raptor to record those numbers. He showed great chemistry with Poeltl, hitting him with a behind the back pass in the third quarter. Barrett’s playmaking has been solid this season and this game showed how good Barrett has gotten in that area. Unfortunately, for as great as Barrett was he once again had an inefficient game and struggled from the free throw line going 4-for-9.
Raptors impressive effort
The Raptors had no business winning this game. Down five rotation players, including two starters the Raptors were big underdogs for a reason. They were on the second night of a back-to-back against the defending champions who had two days rest, but yet the Raptors still fought hard. The pushed the Celtics to the limit and if it wasn’t for costly missed free throws they probably would have won the game in regulation. Toronto is now 2-12 but their record is not a reflection of their performances.
Next on tap
The Raptors will return home on Nov. 18 to take on Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers for the first time this season.
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