Toronto Raptors Stun Celtics with Back-to-Back Wins

Toronto Raptors celebrate victory over Celtics.

On Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors closed the first half of their season on a promising note, securing a significant 110-97 victory over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena. This win marked the Raptors’ second consecutive victory following their triumph against the Golden State Warriors earlier in the week, signaling a potential turnaround for the struggling team.

RJ Barrett led the charge for Toronto with an impressive performance, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Scottie Barnes also delivered a strong showing, adding 18 points and nine assists to help the Raptors secure their first back-to-back wins since early December. The result lifted the team’s spirits as they look to improve on their current record of 10-31.

Point guard Davion Mitchell, stepping in for the injured Immanuel Quickly, emphasized the team’s progress despite their less-than-ideal start to the season. “We’re not where we want to be,” Mitchell said. “There’s always room for improvement. We’ve lost many close games and got blown out several times, but we’re learning.”

Toronto’s defensive prowess was on full display, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the Raptors held the Celtics to just 15 points. Jakob Poeltl added to the team’s efforts with 16 points, while Grady Dick contributed 12 points off the bench. The Celtics were led by Payton Pritchard’s 20 points, followed by Kristaps Porzingis with 18 and Jayson Tatum with 16.

The Raptors had an 88-82 lead after three quarters and opened the final frame with a decisive 9-2 run, stretching their advantage to 13 points. The team’s resilience and physicality were evident, driven by a desire to redeem themselves after a humiliating 125-75 loss to Boston on New Year’s Eve. “A game like that always sticks with you,” Barrett admitted. Mitchell echoed the sentiment, adding, “We owed them. We’re not just going to lie down because they’re an excellent team. We’re going to push even harder.”

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic praised the team’s commitment and determination, highlighting the improved health and unity within the squad. “This group is very connected and prideful,” Rajakovic said. “We wanted to compete at the highest level of what we can do now.”

Read More: LeBron James Makes NBA History

Barrett attributed the team’s recent improvement to a renewed focus and effort following a lopsided defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on January 6. “Since then, we’ve been playing hard and getting better,” Barrett said. The Raptors’ performance against the Celtics showcased that growth, with the team displaying greater cohesion and a relentless defensive mindset.

The victory, achieved in front of a crowd of 18,566, represents a step forward for the Raptors, who aim to build on their recent momentum and turn their season around in the second half.