In a nail-biting NBA In-Season Tournament clash, the Boston Celtics (10-2) strategically limited their rotation to just eight players, overcoming a resilient Toronto Raptors (5-7) team to secure a 108-105 win.
Derrick White’s clutch 3-pointer with 26.8 seconds left proved decisive in a game where slipping on the unique tournament court became a significant challenge.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23 points, supported by Kristaps Porzingis, who contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Celtics showcased their depth with Jayson Tatum (17 points), Jrue Holiday (14 points), and White (13 points) making critical contributions.
White’s game-changing 3-pointer secured Boston’s second victory in the In-Season Tournament, maintaining their unbeaten record. The Celtics have now won six straight meetings with the Raptors and five consecutive games overall.
Toronto saw Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder each scoring 23 points, while Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes added 14 points each.
The Raptors had a chance to tie the game with Barnes’ open 3-pointer in the final seconds, but the shot bounced off the rim.
The absence of O.G. Anunoby and Otto Porter Jr. posed challenges for the Raptors, who also had Trent returning to the starting lineup after missing three games due to plantar fasciitis.
