This game was a must-win for the Raptors who have struggled lately and needed to stop a four game skid, facing a Boston Celtics team that has committed to rebuilding from now on.
Boston Celtics had Jameer Nelson and Jeff Green on the inactive list. Green wasn't with the team, since he is awaiting a trade that will send him to Memphis. The trade cannot be finalized until Monday, though. Green's absence gave Jae Crowder his second straight start for the Celtics.
Toronto Raptors moved James Johnson into the starting lineup at small forward instead of Landry Fields for this game, which proved to be a great idea. Johnson ended playing a season high 36 minutes, and earned himself a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics started the game very well for a team playing a back-to-back away game after a devastating overtime loss in Indiana last night. After a quick start for Toronto center Jonas Valanciunas who scored five points within the first minute, Boston's big men were able to contain him for the rest of the first quarter. Meanwhile the Celtics hit almost 50 percent of their shots, while the Raptors were in the low thirties. After the first quarter Boston were ahead, 26-19.
The Cetltics were able to hang on the lead until the middle of the second quarter, with their biggest lead at 40-31. But after that the Raptors went on a 16-3 run based on a more energetic defense to end the half and take a 47-43 lead into the locker room.
In the third quarter Toronto showed why they are contenders in the Eastern Conference. After a slow start where they allowed the Celtics to retake the lead at 55-53, they started dominating inside and out with Jonas Valenciunas and Kyle Lowry as their main forces on both ends. The rest of the quarter was one long Raptors run to 82-65.
The Celtics hadn't given up the game, though, and they started the fourth quarter with a 12-3 run, but after Toronto took a timeout they also took command of the game again. And although the Celtics fought hard they never got the game exciting again. Toronto wins, 109-96.
Kyle Lowry lead the Raptors with 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. For the Celtics Kelly Olynyk came off the bench for 23 points and five rebounds, while Jared Sullinger had a double-double with 13 poins and ten rebounds.
Toronto Raptors move up to 25-11 and reclaim the second spot in the Eastern Conference from the Washington Wizards, who hold the same record.
Next up for the Celtics are the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Monday, while the Raptors will face the surging Detroit Pistons also at home on Monday.
