Payton Pritchard scored 28 points and handed out eight assists as the Boston Celtics pulled away in the second half to defeat the short-handed Toronto Raptors 125-117 on Friday night.
Jaylen Brown added 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for Boston, which has won five of its last six games. The Celtics shot an efficient 54% from the field and knocked down 14 3-pointers to create separation after halftime.
Toronto’s three-game winning streak came to an end while playing without several key contributors. Brandon Ingram (sprained right thumb), Scottie Barnes (sprained right knee), and center Jakob Poeltl (back) were all sidelined.
Despite the absences, the Raptors kept the game close behind RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter, who each scored 19 points. Immanuel Quickley chipped in 17 points and 13 assists.
After making only seven 3-pointers in their previous win at Charlotte, Toronto responded by hitting 18 from long range and trailed just 68-60 at halftime.
Boston took control in the third quarter, opening the period with a decisive 13-3 run that stretched the lead to 93-73. The Raptors rallied late, pulling within five at 108-103 with just over six minutes remaining, but the Celtics answered with a 12-3 burst to seal the victory.
Up next
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Raptors: Host Philadelphia on Sunday in the first of two straight games against the 76ers.
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Celtics: Host San Antonio on Saturday night.
