The Toronto Raptors dropped a 98-93 decision to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, failing to hold a 22-point second-quarter lead as their shooting rhythm faltered in the second half.
The loss moves Toronto to a 5-6 record, marking the first time this season the team has dipped below .500, according to Sportsnet.ca. The Raptors hit 10 three-pointers in the first quarter alone, setting a new club record for a single frame, the Toronto Sun reported.
Despite this offensive outburst, the team struggled to maintain consistency as the game progressed.
“In terms of competitive spirit and resilience, the Raptors, who remain without their two best players, had their finest hour when taking into account the circumstances,” the Toronto Sun said in its coverage of the matchup.
The Raptors’ momentum evaporated as the game wore on, with the team managing only 32 points in the second half. While Toronto led by one point with less than a minute remaining, the offense failed to convert on subsequent possessions, including a missed three-point attempt by Jamal Shead.
The Celtics, who improved to 10-2, capitalized on Toronto’s late-game errors. Derrick White contributed 19 points and seven assists for Boston, while Jayson Tatum added eight rebounds and seven assists despite a slow individual shooting night, Sportsnet.ca reported. The Celtics overcame their early 22-point deficit by dominating the boards, recording 45 rebounds compared to Toronto’s 42.
The Raptors continued to play without their two primary stars, Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard. Barnes missed his third game with a strained left groin and Leonard was not in the building as he recovers from swelling in his left knee.
Leonard remains sidelined with swelling in his left knee. According to the Toronto Sun, the organization expects to provide another update on his recovery next Tuesday, noting that he has been limited to individual on-court activity.
Wednesday’s game marked the return of Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray-Boyles to the starting lineup. Neither player performed at their peak, as the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm against Boston’s defense.
Rookie Allen Graves provided a bright spot for Toronto, scoring 10 points during the third quarter.
The Raptors now look toward a Thursday night matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The status of stars Joel Embiid and LeBron James remains questionable for the 76ers, who currently hold a 9-3 record.