In a commanding performance, the Boston Celtics secured a significant road victory against the Toronto Raptors, largely due to their dominance on the boards, led by Luka Garza. The former Timberwolves big man showcased his rebounding prowess, grabbing nine offensive rebounds—equal to the total of the Raptors team—while the Celtics as a whole displayed heightened energy and discipline, crucial factors in their success. This rebounding edge allowed Boston to finish with 101.6 true shot attempts, ten more than Toronto, contributing to the Celtics’ vital win against a fellow playoff contender.
Payton Pritchard emerged as a key offensive force, launching 18 jump shots and scoring 33 points with impressive efficiency, hitting 65% of his true shooting. His ability to exploit matchups and navigate screens displayed his comfort in stepping up with Jaylen Brown sidelined. Pritchard’s effectiveness was amplified by working frequently with Queta, one of the league’s top screeners, which allowed the Celtics to effectively manipulate the Raptors’ defensive schemes.
The Celtics executed their offensive strategy effectively, particularly through pick-and-rolls that leveraged Pritchard’s quickness and shooting skill. Even when the Raptors adjusted their defense, Boston’s coaching staff, led by Joe Mazzulla, countered with clever plays that kept Pritchard in advantageous positions, generating easy scoring opportunities.
Moreover, the Celtics’ defensive efforts—including a zone defense with their bench unit—forced the Raptors into unfavorable shot selections, shifting 51% of their attempts to beyond the arc while limiting them to just 23% of their shots at the rim. This gamble paid off as it played to the Celtics’ advantage, though the performance of Sandro Mamukelashvili posed challenges due to his unexpected scoring ability.
Queta also excelled, maintaining impressive efficiency and finding ways to score by creating space and taking advantage of defensive lapses. His ability to attack the rim and make quick decisions contributed significantly to the Celtics’ offensive flow. Alongside him, Hugo Gonzalez demonstrated promise with effective cuts off inbounds, showcasing agility and awareness that allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The game also featured innovative offensive schemes, including reversed Spain pick-and-rolls, which added complexity to the Celtics’ playbook. The versatility in Boston’s lineup, notably the return of a double-big setup with Garza in the rotation, hinted at a strategic evolution in their approach, designed to address the opponent’s defensive capabilities.
Overall, this performance not only highlighted the Celtics’ strengths in rebounding and offensive execution but also underscored their adaptability in defensive strategies. The victory strengthens their position in a competitive Eastern Conference and showcases a team ready to make a significant impact as the season progresses.