Celtics hold off defending champs, take 2-0 series lead

In game one, the Boston Celtics dominated the Toronto Raptors in all phases of the game. The defending champs looked out of sorts as the Celtics captured an 18 point victory. In game two, the Raptors looked to throw a counter punch but it would be to no avail. Behind star forward Jason Tatum’s playoff career scoring night with 34 points, the Celtics defeated the Raptors 102-99.

The Raptors came out aggressive early on in the game. The champs took an early lead and were knocking down shots that were routine misses in game one. Forward OG Anunoby finished with 20 points and seven assists and was one of the main catalysts for the early lead.

The green and black played a lack luster first quarter except for rising star Robert Williams who kept them afloat without missing a single shot and tied the score at 28.

In the second quarter, the Celtics defense tightened up and shots began to fall. Fourth year forward Jaylen Brown asserted himself defensively which led to easy baskets in transition. Guard Kemba Walker struggled early to find his shot and didn’t knock down his first field goal until the second half. With a halftime buzzer beating three from Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, the champs still found themselves down two going into the third quarter.

The red and white looked impressive in the third quarter and defensively they stifled the Celtics and capitalized offensively. Serge Ibaka and Anunoby were knocking down shots to lead the way. With a 12 point lead late in the quarter, the Raptors looked poised to close this game out.

Celtics guard Marcus Smart who is the heart and soul of the Celtics team has improved his offensive game tremendously over the last few years, especially from three point range. This was very evident in the start of the fourth quarter when Smart hit five straight three pointers. The defending champions couldn’t buy a basket down the stretch and were held to 21 points in the fourth.

Despite his shooting woes, Walker knocked down a crucial step back jumper over Ibaka to give the Celtics a three point lead with 30 seconds remaining. Guard Fred VanVleet had a chance to tie the game and missed the three pointer.

Siakam and VanVleet have both struggled mightily in these first two games. Along with exceptional bench play, they have been the catalyst for the Raptors success all season. If the champs want to stay alive in this series, then their best players are going to have to step up, scoring the ball at an efficient rate in game three.

Game three will take place in the bubble on Thursday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM EST.