Final: Raptors 100, Celtics 93 -- Series tied at 2-2 after ugly shooting night from C's

Pascal Siakam broke out of his offensive funk with 23 points while Kyle Lowry added 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Raptors grinned their way to their second straight win over the Celtics with a 100-93 win on Saturday night. The series is now tied at 2-2 largely thanks to an atrocious 3-point shooting night for the Celtics from the perimeter, knocking down a season-low seven 3-point makes while hitting a season-low 20 percent from the field. That enabled the Raptors to overcome 39.5 percent shooting from the field.

Jayson Tatum had a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds but also committed a game-high five turnovers including a crucial offensive foul in the final minute. Kemba Walked added 15 points and 8 assists but the C’s got little offensive production elsewhere. Jaylen Brown struggled through his worst shooting night of the postseason (14 points on 18 shots) while no other Celtics scored in double figures.

TWO UP

Robert Williams:  The big man continues to give the Celtics productive minutes and he’s taking a bigger share of the center minutes in the process. He scored six points and had a team-high four rebounds in 13 minutes.

Semi Ojeleye: Some surprise offense from the reserve guard in the second quarter as he scored all seven of his minutes over 62 seconds to help Boston rally from a

TWO DOWN

Jaylen Brown: No rhythm early on with his jump shot as he missed seven of his first eight shots overall, including all four from 3-point range. He also picked up three fouls in the first half, limiting him to just 18 minutes.

3-point shooting: The Celtics went 4-of-19 from 3-point range in the first half as no one on the C’s roster made more than one 3-point attempt. The lackluster shooting kept the C’s in a tie with the Raptors despite Toronto only shooting 35 percent from the field.

TOP PLAY

Get that outta here ? pic.twitter.com/4XipbZgIr2

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 5, 2020

• Cutting down turnovers has to be a top priority for the Celtics in Game 4 as they attempt to get their offense back on track. Marcus Smart (4.3 turnovers/G) and Jaylen Brown (3.3 turnovers/G) have been two of the main culprits in this department due to pressure from the Raptors. They need to be more in control with their drives and passes to avoid giving the Raptors easy offense in transition.


• With the Raptors playing big minutes to their starting guards in Game 3, look for a potentially more defensive-minded option to get a chance off the bench in Romeo Langford if Brad Wanamaker struggles a bit or if Raps stay with a smaller lineup. His defense and length could give Fred VanVleet trouble at times while the C’s starters get a bit of a rest.


• Tremont Waters has been listed as questionable for the first time in this series with a sprained knee. I’d expect him to be added to active 13-man roster if he is healthy enough to play.


• My extended thoughts on Rob Williams minutes and some other defensive adjustments to watch for in Game 4.