Raptors Drop to Celtics 106-104, Siakam With Near Triple-Double

The Toronto Raptors lost to the Boston Celtics 106-104 at home on Saturday night, falling to a 20-27 record on the season. This was Toronto’s third straight defeat, following losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. The team is currently sitting in the 11th seed, 2.5 games out of a NBA playoff position.

Pascal Siakam fell one rebound short of a triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 10 assists and 9 boards. Gary Trent Jr. and Precious Achiuwa chipped in with 22 and 17 points respectively, as each of the five Raps starters ended in double figures.

The real issue came from bench production, with Toronto only managing to get 14 points from non-starters to the 62 from the Celtics. The lack of points from the bench has been a recurring theme in the team’s losses as of late and seems to be the most pressing issue plaguing the Raptors.

Toronto shot 53.5% from the field to the Celtics 44.7% but were outdone from beyond the arc 16-7, which ended up being the difference in the game.

Boston was short-handed without superstar Jayson Tatum but was able to make up for it with big games from Grant Williams and Malcolm Borgdon, who put in 25 and 23. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics in scoring with 27 on 10-23 shooting.

The Raptors led the way for most of the first three quarters but were stifled by the Celtics D in the fourth, only managing to put up 19 points in the final piece. The Raps did however show fight, going on a 8-2 run to tie things up at 103, with just under four minutes to go.

Ultimately, a three from Payton Pritchard was the difference between the two teams, as TOronto failed to score in the final minute of the game, despite getting many opportunities. 

Who’s Next for the Toronto Raptors?

The Raptors will be facing up against the New York Knicks on Sunday at home, as the team has a back-to-back. The Knicks are sitting in the 7th seed in the East at 25-22 and have been on a three-game skid themselves. You can expect this one to be highly contested, with both teams desperately in need of a W to stem the tide.

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