Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics delivered a resounding 125-71 victory over the Toronto Raptors, marking the largest margin of victory in the NBA this season and concluding the year on a high note. After facing challenges recently, the Celtics used this game as an opportunity to reset their momentum.
Key takeaways from the game highlight the Celtics’ defensive prowess. The team consistently kept the Raptors under 25 points in each quarter, limiting their scoring significantly, with Toronto managing only 71 points in total. The Raptors struggled offensively, shooting poorly from both the perimeter and inside the arc, compounded by 21 turnovers.
Tatum initially struggled but eventually found his rhythm, contributing effectively while sharing the offensive load with teammates. He managed 13 attempts, focusing on making smart plays rather than forcing shots. Jrue Holiday’s return from injury brought a much-needed boost as he excelled from beyond the arc, further enhancing the Celtics’ shooting performance.
Payton Pritchard demonstrated his scoring ability, building on his success from previous games and showing that the Celtics are at their best when he maintains this level of play. Despite Al Horford’s shooting woes, his impact on defense and court leadership was significant, underlining the importance of players who contribute beyond just scoring.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the narrative around effort, emphasizing the larger responsibility that comes with coaching the storied team. Meanwhile, rookie Jordan Walsh continued to impress, showcasing his potential in limited minutes.
Looking ahead, the Celtics have a challenging schedule to start 2025, facing teams like the Timberwolves and Rockets. Payton Pritchard expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming contests as a chance to grow and prepare for the future, showcasing a hopeful outlook for the team.
Overall, this decisive win may serve as a launching pad for the Celtics as they head into the new year, emphasizing the importance of strong defensive play and team chemistry. The renewed focus on these elements could become crucial as they pursue their championship aspirations in 2025.