On Tuesday night, the Celtics concluded their preseason with a close loss to the Raptors, falling 119-118 at ScotiaBank Arena. Jordan Walsh had a chance to secure victory with a buzzer-beater, but his layup attempt was blocked as time ran out, leaving Boston’s late comeback effort unfulfilled.
The Raptors established a commanding lead early, going up by as many as 22 points in the first quarter, fueled by an impressive 46-point shooting spree in the opening 12 minutes. However, the Celtics responded with a 19-0 surge to kick off the second quarter, bringing them back into contention. Coach Joe Mazzulla utilized his starters for the first 40 minutes before shifting to the second unit, which ultimately fell short in their attempt to mount a comeback.
In the loss, Jayson Tatum led the team with 24 points, while Derrick White contributed 23 points. Gradey Dick was the standout performer for the Raptors, scoring a game-high 27 points, and Scottie Barnes nearly achieved a triple-double with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser were rested for this match.
The Celtics finished the preseason with a record of 4-1, while the Raptors improved to 2-2 with their win.
Below are four takeaways from the Celtics’ game on Tuesday:
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Al Horford appears out of sync in his preseason debut: The veteran forward returned to the starting lineup for his first exhibition game, logging 23 minutes. However, the 38-year-old seemed to be shaking off rust from his time away, struggling with his shot (1-of-6 overall and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc) and grabbing only two rebounds against an active Raptors team. Though there has been some debate about whether Horford should come off the bench, he seems to have solidified his starting position in place of Kristaps Porzingis. Expect that he may face a prolonged adjustment period as the regular season begins.
Rotation gets valuable practice: With Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Sam Hauser all sitting out, Joe Mazzulla treated the game as an important test, especially during the initial three and a half quarters. Tatum logged 34 minutes, pushing for additional time throughout the game, while White played 31 minutes. Jaylen Brown had a lighter workload, but the game provided insight into Mazzulla’s bench preferences. The focus on big men was evident, with Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet each exceeding 20 minutes. Jordan Walsh played 24 minutes and had a commendable performance despite missing the decisive shot, reinforcing his role off the bench in place of Oshae Brissett. While he may not see significant playing time when the roster is at full strength, opportunities could arise when regulars are unavailable.
Double big lineups see considerable usage: Mazzulla favored utilizing larger lineups throughout last season, a strategy evident in this final preseason game. Horford, Tillman, Kornet, and Neemias Queta were deployed in pairs at various times. Kornet and Tillman displayed strong chemistry, particularly during the Celtics’ 19-0 run at the start of the second quarter. Although Tillman struggled from 3-point range (0-of-3), he had been effective in that area throughout the preseason. If he can continue to keep defenses honest from outside while playing power forward, it would greatly enhance the team’s ability to maintain size against opposing second units.
Lonnie Walker does not see the court: Despite an impressive performance over the weekend at TD Garden, Mazzulla opted not to play the veteran guard, giving him a DNP-CD in the final preseason matchup. The Celtics have until the weekend to determine whether to retain him as the 15th man on the roster, but it seems likely they may keep that spot flexible for future moves. Should Walker clear waivers after being cut, the team hopes he will consider a stint in Maine as part of the organization while waiting for an opportunity in Boston or elsewhere.
Celtics Fall Short in Preseason Finale Against Raptors: Key Takeaways from the Heartbreaker
Overview of the Game
In their final preseason matchup, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Toronto Raptors. The game, held at TD Garden, provided fans with a thrilling contest, albeit ending in disappointment for Celtics supporters as the team fell short with a score of 101-98. This hard-fought battle showcased both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for the regular season. Below are key takeaways from this preseason heartbreaker.
Key Statistics
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Shooting % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | 98 | 45 | 22 | 44% |
| Toronto Raptors | 101 | 48 | 25 | 46% |
Player Performances
Several players stood out during the game, providing critical moments that influenced the outcome:
- Jayson Tatum: The star forward scored 28 points, demonstrating his scoring prowess and ability to take over games.
- Jaylen Brown: Brown contributed 22 points and 6 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court.
- Marcus Smart: Smart’s playmaking was crucial, as he tallied 7 assists, though he struggled with consistency shooting.
- Pascal Siakam (Raptors): Siakam was a force for Toronto with 30 points and 10 rebounds, proving he can impact games significantly.
Defensive Struggles
Despite some standout individual performances, the Celtics’ defense was a major concern. The team allowed the Raptors to shoot 46% from the field and struggled to contain Toronto’s fast breaks. Key defensive lapses included:
- Failure to close out on shooters, leading to open three-point attempts.
- Inconsistent communication on switches, resulting in mismatches.
- Difficulty in boxing out, as evidenced by Toronto’s 48 rebounds.
Offensive Efficiency
The Celtics exhibited flashes of offensive brilliance but struggled with consistency throughout the game. Key observations include:
- Ball Movement: The Celtics recorded 22 assists, indicating decent ball movement, but too often settled for isolation plays.
- Shooting Percentage: While shooting 44% from the field, they missed critical shots in the final minutes that could have changed the game’s outcome.
- Bench Contributions: The bench scored only 15 points, highlighting the need for stronger performances from role players.
Key Takeaways
From the disappointing loss, several important takeaways emerged for the Celtics as they head into the regular season:
- Defensive Cohesion: Improving defensive communication and execution will be crucial for success moving forward.
- Increased Depth: The Celtics need to develop bench players to contribute more significantly during tight games.
- Late-Game Execution: Learning how to close out games and maintain composure in pressure situations is essential for playoff aspirations.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the Celtics gear up for the regular season, here are some tips for fans to enhance their game-watching experience:
- Know Your Players: Familiarize yourself with the team roster, including stats and player backgrounds, to better understand their impact on the game.
- Follow Social Media: Stay updated by following the Celtics on social media for insights, highlights, and news directly from the team.
- Participate in Discussions: Engage in forums or social media discussions to share thoughts with other fans about strategies and player performances.
Case Study: Previous Preseason Performances
To better understand the implications of this game, we can look at the Celtics’ previous preseason performances:
| Opponent | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | Oct 1, 2023 | Win (112-98) |
| New York Knicks | Oct 5, 2023 | Win (105-100) |
| Brooklyn Nets | Oct 10, 2023 | Loss (95-100) |
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans expressed a mix of disappointment and optimism after the game:
“It was frustrating to see us lose in such a close game, especially after a great preseason overall. But I believe in this team’s potential!” – John, lifelong Celtics fan
“I loved the fight we showed, especially from Tatum and Brown. If they can keep this up, we’ll be competitive this season!” – Sarah, avid basketball enthusiast
Looking Ahead
As the Celtics prepare for the start of the regular season, the lessons learned from their preseason finale against the Raptors will be vital. Improving on defense, enhancing bench productivity, and mastering late-game situations will be crucial for their success. Fans eagerly anticipate how the team will respond to this heartbreaker as the journey toward the playoffs begins.
