The visiting Boston Celtics, were in Toronto looking to end their three game skid, but the Toronto Raptors most certainly had other ideas as they continue to sharpen their play heading towards the NBA Playoffs. The Raptors’ James Johnson is currently dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and as a result Norman Powell got the starting role at small forward for the second consecutive game. Jonas Valanciunas was listed as active/available for the game, but in the end he did not play, Bismack Biyombo started again in his place.
The Raptors started the game on a tear offensively, and battened down the hatches defensively, pulling away early, to take a 30-14 lead after the first quarter. The Celtics got rolling in the second quarter, nearly doubling their offensive output, scoring 27 points in the quarter, while the Raptors scored 25 points in the frame to take a 55-41 halftime lead. The Celtics got re-focused to start the second half, scoring 33 points in the third quarter and outscoring the Raptors by seven in the quarter. From there, the Toronto Raptors scored 26 points in the fourth quarter, while holding the Celtics to a paltry 17 points, to earn a 105-91 home win, improving to 47-21 on the season. The Boston Celtics are now on a four game losing slide, but still sitting in second place in the Atlantic Division.
Kyle Lowry had the hot hand, scoring a game high 32 points. Lowry added four rebounds, five assists, and two steals, and had a +20 plus/minus rating for the night.
Luis Scola brought a much needed offensive spark, pouring in 17 points ALL in the first quarter! Scola went seven of nine from the field, and three of four from three-point range in the frame. DeMar DeRozan contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Boston Celtics’ NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas scored 20 points. Evan Turner had 12 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Former Toronto Raptors forward and fan favourite, Amir Johnson, scored six points while pulling down six rebounds, and two steals. Canadian Senior Men’s national team player and Boston Celtics’ center, Kelly Olynyk, returned to action this week after missing extended time with a shoulder injury. Olynyk scored five points, to go along with four rebounds, and three assists.
Toronto forward Patrick Patterson left the game in the fourth quarter with a left foot contusion and did not return.
Patrick Patterson injury update from Toronto Raptors Media Relations:
After further examination…Patterson (sore left ankle). X-rays negative. Will be reexamined tomorrow. #rtz
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) March 19, 2016
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Postgame Reactions:
Kyle Lowry
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IwVGmjmpgY]DeMar DeRozan
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOz1EB2uR0]Dwane Casey
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfaFokF1SG8]Luis Scola
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