The high energy surrounding this team post-trade has dwindled as the team’s success continues to suffer as the Toronto Raptors lose to the Boston Celtics to a score of 105-96. This marks the Raptors’ fourth straight loss, keeping them winless against division rivals.
Boston was without Jaylen Brown but didn’t miss a beat as Jayson Tatum was sensational at leading his team to victory. The superstar forward finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while spearheading the playmaking duties on multiple occasions to thwart the Raptors’ attempts at going on a run.
Jrue Holiday had one of his best games of the season with 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds while connecting on four three-pointers tying the total amount that the Raptors made as a team.
For the Raptors the most recent acquisitions continued their stellar play since joining the team. RJ Barrett bounced back from an awful performance against the Jazz to finish with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Immanuel Quickly was big tonight as well with 21 points and six rebounds but was not able to get his outside shot going, shooting just 2-7 from beyond the arc.
Scottie Barnes’ struggles offensively derailed this team, especially in the non-RJ and IQ minutes as he finished with just 10 points along with 13 rebounds on 41 percent shooting from the field.
The Raptors attempted 13 more shots than the Celtics and converted on more total shots with 38 makes compared to Boston’s 33. However, the disparity in three-point shooting was far too great for Toronto to overcome.
Struggles continue for the Raptors as they fall to 15-25 on the season. The questions surrounding this roster get louder the more they lose as the decision looms close. They will look to get back on track against the Miami Heat who come to town on Wednesday, January 17 at 7:30 PM ET.
