WHITE HITS CLUTCH 3 AS BOSTON CELTICS BEAT TORONTO RAPTORS 108-105
On Friday night, the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 108-105 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game after blowing a 16-point halftime lead thanks to a game-winning 3-pointer from Derrick White with 26.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter https://x.com/celtics/status/1725704842130129348?s=20.
With 23 points from Jaylen Brown and 14 points and 12 rebounds from Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics defeated Toronto for the sixth time in a row. For Boston, Jayson Tatum tallied 17 points, Jrue Holiday had 14, and White had 13.
Al Horford and Sam Hauser both finished with 11 points. Boston defeated Brooklyn last Friday to move to 2-0 in tournament play. All told, the Celtics have won five in a row.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated, “I thought we did a good job tonight, but it was one of our lesser performances.” “We weren’t the best versions of ourselves for the first time last year.”
White concurred that the Boston Celtics’ performance against Toronto the Raptors wasn’t at its peak.
We didn’t really seem to have the extra equipment or the gear we’ve been using this year, according to White. “Al made some big shots, and Sam made some big shots when he came in. Finding a method to succeed without that equipment is all that is required.
Brown (not related to COVID-19) and Porzingis (right knee) both made a comeback after missing Wednesday’s victory in Philadelphia.
Brown said he slipped on the court late in the game and strained his groin “a little bit.” He was among the players who stumbled on the unusual tournament court.
Brown voiced his dissatisfaction, describing the gray-and-black court’s current state as “kind of unacceptable.”
According to Brown, “The court was just slippery the entire game.” For the in-season tournament, which will yield financial gains as well as competition, thrills, and other advantages, we are all here as players. But you have to make sure that floor play is safe. We cannot allow our players to play outside at risk to their health.
Although Brown claimed he had no issues with Boston’s tournament court last Friday, he did mention that he had heard from other NBA players that they were having trouble slipping on these types of surfaces.
“It’s imperative that they prioritize that before someone sustains serious injuries,” Brown stated.
Precious Achiuwa, a forward for the Raptors, admitted to slipping “a few times” against the Celtics. Achiuwa has missed five games due to a strained left groin that he sustained during training camp.
“I’m extra cautious coming back (from injury),” Achiuwa declared.
With 11 seconds remaining, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes had a chance to tie the score with a 3-pointer, but his attempt went off the rim.
The final NBA team to play in a tournament was Toronto, led by Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder, who both scored 23 points in a losing effort. Jakob Poeltl finished with 11 points, Barnes and Gary Trent Jr. both had 14.
Otto Porter Jr. was not available due to personal reasons, and Toronto’s O.G. Anunoby missed his third straight game due to a cut finger on his right hand.
Due to plantar fasciitis in his right foot, Trent was sidelined for the first three games and then started.
Attending the game were Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin and musician Fat Joe.
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