The Boston Celtics built a 23-point lead, lost it, then recovered late as Jaylen Brown’s 30 points powered a 121–113 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
Derrick White added 27 points, igniting Boston early with 14 in the first quarter. Payton Pritchard chipped in 15 points, Anfernee Simons scored 12, and Neemias Queta posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The win marked Boston’s fifth straight and seventh in their last eight.
Raptors Rally Back but Can’t Close
Brandon Ingram matched Brown with 30 points, while Scottie Barnes delivered 18 points and 11 rebounds for Toronto, which dropped its third straight game, all at home. The Raptors had not lost back-to-back home contests before this recent skid.
Boston led 87–64 midway through the third quarter before the Raptors stormed back with a 34–10 run, taking their first lead on Jamal Shead’s layup early in the fourth.
But the Celtics steadied themselves — consecutive 3-pointers from White and Pritchard flipped the deficit into a Boston lead with 7:15 to play, and the Raptors never regained control.
3-Point Contrast Tells the Story
After sinking a season-best 24 threes in their previous game, the Celtics hit 20 of 47 from deep. Toronto attempted only 22 threes, making nine.
Boston also dominated second-chance points 17–4, capitalizing on key offensive rebounds.
Toronto’s Supporting Cast
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 14, while Ochai Agbaji and Immanuel Quickley each added 11. Jakob Poeltl and AJ Lawson finished with 10 apiece.
The Raptors have now lost five of six heading into a crucial NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup.
Up Next
-
Celtics: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
-
Raptors: Host the New York Knicks on Tuesday in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
