Toronto Raptors make it two in a row with a statement win against the Celtics 110-97

It was evident the Raptors wanted to avenge their franchise-record loss, and they did just that with gritty defence and phenomenal ball movement

For their third matchup of the season, the Toronto Raptors finally got home court advantage against the Boston Celtics. After a narrow loss in overtime to start their season series, followed by a franchise-record deficit in their second game, tonight’s show of force has finally returned some balance as the Raps prevailed 110-97. It’s no surprise either, with their win against the Warriors a couple of days ago, Toronto came into this matchup with confidence, effort, and even a bit of flair.

RJ Barrett was a force, narrowly missing the cutoff for a triple double. Finishing with 22-10-8, he consistently found ways to score around the basket and help the team defensively. Scottie came up big as well, with 18-3-9 and a pair of blocks. Another double-double from Jakob and 32 bench points rounded off the group effort that carried Toronto to victory.

Boston struggled all night, shooting only 34.8% from distance and less than 40% from the floor. Tatum had 16-10-7 and Porzingis had 18-8-3, but the usual help from Derrick White and Jaylen Brown was nowhere to be seen. The Celtics have been struggling lately, and the Raptors certainly took advantage.

Rather than recapping the game in the usual way, we’re going to look at a classic example of start-bench-cut from each quarter of the game. After all, there were a lot of good things and great things, but definitely a few we could do without too.

– 1st Quarter –

Start - 3pt shooting

Although the Raptors aren’t usually a strong 3-point shooting team, especially when compared to their opponent, they came out firing. Going 5-11 in the quarter, it was a group effort, not just one or two guys. Scottie, Gradey, Davion, RJ, and Jamal all connected from deep. Even the ones that didn’t rattle in were still thought out and solid attempts.

Bench - Defence

The defence was touchy to start the first. At times it was really great, with strong recovery and communication. At other times, they were allowing back cuts to wide open layups. Playing against the defending champs means that you can’t let any of those easy shots.

Cut - Turnovers

The Raptors’ offence requires transition scoring and ball movement to be effective, but the downside is that when executed without precision, it leads to a ton of turnovers.

—2nd Quarter—

Start - Chris Boucher

It’s hard not to enjoy the spark he’s brought off the bench. After spending a few games on the bench, he’s seemed determined to show what he can do for the team. Barely into the game, he scores a quick 5 points from a mid-range shot and a 3-pointer. It’s not just his role on offence though, because he proceeds to make a nice pass to Olynyk to draw a foul, hustles for a loose ball, and then pulls down a tough rebound. He’s everywhere.

Bench - Shot Selection

After making a series of really good choices, taking the ball right at the tallest man on the floor seems like a questionable choice. Not once but twice they found themselves driving directly at Porzingis, only to be rejected at the rim.

Cut - Fouling a 3-point Shooter

Defending a team that jacks 3s like they’re going out of style is a challenge, but ending a close quarter by grabbing the off-hand of a good three-point shooter is something we probably shouldn’t see again.

– 3rd Quarter –

Start - Passing

Nothing better for a highlight real than some fancy, no-look, and behind-the-back passes. There was all of it. No shortage of fun plays in this frame, undoubtedly topped by Scottie’s fancy dime to Poeltl for the easy layup. It could be up for debate, but definitely when it’s on, one of the most fun parts of this offence is the way they move the ball.

Bench - Shot Selection (still)

There’s good and bad, but limiting the bad would be good. It’s tough not to be tempted into some of the shots the Raptors are taking, but giving away a possession on a contested fadeaway doesn’t feel like the way to go.

Cut - Rebounds

Sometimes the Raptors are on the boards, and other times they let their opponent get a few too many chances. On one play, they allowed Boston back in a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and then fifth time.

– 4th Quarter –

Start - Scottie Barnes

There’s nothing you need more than for your franchise cornerstone than to help carry in late, close games. His midrange game continues to improve, and it’s nice to see him having the confidence to take shots and facilitate for everyone. Even though not all of his shots fell, his presence and decision making is improving so much.

Bench/Cut - ?

No notes. Hard to pick things apart when you hand the Celtics a loss.

After a difficult season so far, this was definitely the feel-good statement win the Raptors (and their fans) needed. A ton of highlights, some good defence, and encouraging play from up and down the bench made this one fun from start to finish. Also, two wins in a row never hurt.

Next, the Raptors will try to keep the streak going as they face another tough team in the Bucks. Tune in to see if the Raptors will make it 3 in a row, at 8pm ET on Sportsnet.