Last night the Toronto Raptors lost 121 to 107 at home against the Boston Celtics. It was a challenging night for Toronto, but even in defeat there were reasons to walk away feeling good about the way this team is playing and the direction this season has been heading.
How the Game Unfolded
Boston came out with intensity and built a lead in the first half, putting pressure on the Raptors early. The Celtics were efficient on offence and controlled the paint, forcing Toronto to play catch-up for much of the night. As the game went on the Raptors found some rhythm and made runs, but Boston answered each time and kept the edge. The result was a loss, but the effort was not lacking.
Big Performances for Both Teams
For Boston Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points, controlling the ball in key moments and making shots both inside and out. Jaylen Brown also scored heavily with 24 points and hit some tough buckets that kept the Celtics ahead when the game tightened. Kristaps Porzingis chipped in with rebounding and size that bothered Toronto around the rim.
On the Raptors’ side Brandon Ingram was a steady scoring force with 27 points, and he carried much of the offensive load throughout the night. Scottie Barnes had 19 points and 9 rebounds, competing on both ends. Jakob Poeltl and Immanuel Quickley provided support off the bench, and Gradey Dick showed confidence in his shot selection and hustle. Even though the score did not go Toronto’s way, the Raptors battled in stretches and looked engaged.
Are They Still Near the Top of the East?
Yes. Even with this loss the Raptors remained a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. At the time the standings showed Toronto still in the upper tier of the East. They were not in first place, but they were within striking distance and had built themselves into a position where a few wins could elevate them higher. One tough game did not erase the strong overall body of work this group had created.
The NBA Cup and Standings Context
This game took place shortly after the Raptors’ NBA Cup appearance, where they had advanced to the quarterfinal round before losing to the Knicks. Even though they did not win the Cup, getting that far gave the team competitive minutes and a chance to tighten rotations and play with urgency under pressure. That experience was valuable and even a loss such as this one felt like part of the process for a team that is actually learning how to win together.
What Needs to Happen Next
A few small adjustments would help Toronto turn games like this into wins. Getting more consistent defence in the first quarter would prevent early holes. More rebounding toughness would limit second chance points when playing bigger teams. And when the Raptors share the ball like they did in their wins earlier in the season, the scoring load feels lighter and more sustainable. These are all things this group has shown they can improve on.
Final Thoughts from a Long-Time Fan
I have watched this team through seasons where hope was fragile and inconsistency became the theme. Last night was not perfect, but the Raptors played with heart, competed with energy, and showed the resilience we have seen the last few weeks. Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes stepped up. The bench contributed. The effort was there. This team still feels like it is growing into something special.
So yes, the loss was disappointing. But I am proud of how far they have come, how competitive they have been, and how consistent their effort has felt all season. If they keep working on the small things now, imagine how dangerous they could be in the spring. I am excited, I am hopeful, and I am cheering loud.
👏 Let’s Go Raptors 👏
