The Toronto Raptors were on the road facing the Boston Celtics tonight. They got off to a slow start once again, allowing the Celtics to build a 29-16 lead after the 1st quarter. Things didn’t improve from there, as they trailed the rest of the way, and lost 100-64.
The Raptors shot an abysmal 34% from the field, and 44% from the free throw line going 8-18 from the charity stripe. DeMar DeRozan went 3-12 from the field, Jose Calderon went 0-5, James Johnson 3-11, Leandro Barbosa 2-9. Gary Forbes 2-8, and Amir Johnson was 0-2. Neither the starters or the bench could spark things offensively for Toronto.
The Celtics were able to build their lead and maintain it throughout by being efficient from the field, shooting 52%, and also sharing the ball. They had 30 assists on 39 made field goals, and only 10 turnovers.
Celtics’ Paul Pierce lead all players with 17 points, also adding 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. All 13 Boston Celtics who dressed saw minutes in this game. The Raptors’ Jerryd Bayless led the Raptors with 14 points off the bench. Similarly for Toronto, 12 of their players saw time on the floor.
Rajon Rondo did not suit up for Boston, who has missed 8 straight games since, ironically, injuring his wrist after a hard foul by the Raptors’ Linas Kleiza the last time these two teams faced each other. It is thought that he may return to the Celtics line up on Friday vs. the New York Knicks.
The Raptors were without the services of Andrea Bargnani once again, he did not travel with the team to Boston. They have now fallen to 1-9 without him in the line up. It’s still a ‘wait and see’ approach with regards to Andrea Bargnani’s injury and when he’ll return, at least publicly.
Game notes:
The Raptors have now given up 100 points in back to back losses.
Ed Davis has now had a double-double in back to back games.
The Raptors return home to play the Washington Wizards on Friday night, but they won’t have the day off on Thursday. Raptors coach Dwane Casey has indicated that Toronto will be practicing on Thursday to clean up many areas of concern in their game right now.
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