Coming off a game where they were just .5 seconds away from being down 3-0 in the Eastern Conference semi-final series, the defending NBA champion Toronto Raptors took full advantage of their opportunities in Game 4 and defeated the Boston Celtics 100-93.
In Game 3, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry hit forward OG Anunoby in the left corner for the game-winning three-point shot that saved the champs from being on the brink of elimination. They carried that momentum into Game 4 and started fast offensively. Ball movement was the primary catalyst for their offensive success.
The Celtics struggled shooting throughout the game. They shot 7 of 35 (20%) from three-point range due to tenacious defense from the Raptors. The black and red got physical with the Celtics all game long, and it started to wear on them as the game continued.
Raptors Head Coach Nick Nurse went to a seven-man rotation in the game, and his players delivered on both ends of the floor.
With two great defensive teams going at it, the contest was an old fashioned slugfest, which gave the champs the best opportunity to win.
Kyle Lowry was the real leader of the game. He finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. He facilitated most of the offense while being that tough, gritty defender on some of the Celtics top scorers. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam came up huge as well with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Fred VanVleet finished with 17 points, and forward Serge Ibaka finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.
Throughout their first six playoff games, the Celtics played good basketball on both sides of the ball and offensively looked like a juggernaut. The Raptors have made them continuously work for every basket these last couple of games.
With Game 5 looming, the momentum has shifted over towards the Raptors with an even 2-2 series. Pascal Siakam stated after the game.
“It feels like a fresh start to the series,” Siakam said.
Game five will take place in the bubble on September 7th at 6:30 PM EST.