The Celtics may still be the favorites in the Eastern Conference but the Raptors let them know on Friday night who their toughest competition in the East. Kawhi Leonard looked like an MVP candidate (31 points, 10 rebounds) and Serge Ibaka added 21 points, helping the hosts close out the game with a 12-2 run to pull away with a 113-101 win.
Kyrie Irving had a team-high 21 points for the visitors, but he couldn't energize a C's offense that went cold down the stretch. Three offensive fouls were called on Boston in the final three minutes, while the Raptors nearly scored every time down the floor to help build the gap. Jaylen Brown sat for Terry Rozier during crunch time as Brad Stevens continued to experiment with late-game lineups.
Third quarter notes
- Kawhi Leonard has decided to take command of the Raptors' offense in the third quarter, scoring 10 of the team's 14 points in the frame.
- C's continue to struggle against him inside the arc, as his quick first step produced some easy looks in transition and in the halfcourt
- Marcus Morris got the start for Gordon Hayward at the start of the second half.
- Jaylen Brown took a quick seat for Marcus Smart as well, as Brad Stevens tried to throw a little more physicality into the mix for the C's defense.
- C's offense is performing at a high level as well to keep pace with Kawhi. Horford (four offensive rebounds) helping to produce second chance points.
- C's offense finally came alive in the final few minutes of the frame, as the starters plus Morris put up 13 points over 2:56 to re-take the lead.
- 3-point shooting finally started to cash in (4-of-6) as the ball movement was far improved over the preseason. 17 assists on 21 made field goals early on.
- Really balanced scoring by the C's as well with seven players scoring between 5-9 points early on.
- Tatum continues to settle for tough long midrange jumpers at times but he is hitting enough of them to get away with them.
- Kawhi Leonard got much more involved with the offense for the Raptors but the C's defense held firm on him forcing him into 3-of-11 shooting for the half. Al Horford was responsible for most of those stops after getting switched onto the wing.
- Marcus Smart's defense was stellar all quarter long, bodying up everyone from Kyle Lowry to Jonas Valancunias.
- C's transition defense among the starters got sloppy at times. With the amount of depth the C's have, the hustle should not be an issue for this group.
- Both teams (nine combined free throws) are having trouble getting to the line.
- Some encouraging balance within the starting five as every single player attempted between two and four shots during the period.
- C's defense remains on point for the second straight game as Raptors shoot just 33 percent from the field after one.
- Kawhi Leonard was a non-factor on the offensive end during one (0 points, on 0-of-2 shooting).
- Serge Ibaka did well to take advantage of some switches in the post but the Raptors were very reliant on the 3-point shot (3-of-13) with limited success.
- Pretty sloppy play from a turnover standpoint early yet again with both teams tallying six in the first quarter.
- Gordon Hayward with a couple nice moves to the hoop during the period. Appeared to be getting his rhythm a little more than
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Gordon Hayward
C: Al Horford