Celtics-Raptors takeaways: C’s survive Toronto’s fourth-quarter comeback bid originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Here are three Key Storylines to watch out for in the Celtics-Raptors game:
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Jaylen Brown catches fire in return
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Luke Kornet holds down the frontcourt
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Turnovers nearly sink C’s
Despite missing multiple key players on the second night of a back-to-back, the Boston Celtics extended their home win streak vs. the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum (left ankle sprain management), Kristaps Porzingis (left calf injury management), and Al Horford (rest). Those absences forced Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet into the starting lineup, though Jaylen Brown (low back contusion) returned after missing Thursday’s overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.
Boston was in control for most of the night, leading by as many as 20 points and taking a 13-point advantage into the fourth quarter. The wheels started to come off in the final frame, however, as Toronto started on an 18-3 run to pull ahead and put the C’s TD Garden win streak in jeopardy.
It was a nightmare quarter for the C’s, but they prevailed thanks to clutch plays on both ends of the floor by Derrick White. The All-Defensive guard drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with the shot clock running out and just over three minutes left in regulation. He followed that with a lay-up that extended Boston’s lead to three points with 1:04 remaining.
Former Celtics guard Dennis Schroder missed one of his two free throws with 15.5 on the clock. That allowed Boston to escape with a 120-118 victory that keeps them undefeated at home this season at 16-0.
Brown (31 points) and White (21 points) topped the scoring column for the Celtics. Scottie Barnes (30 points, career-high seven 3-pointers) and Pascal Siakam (26 points) did their part for the Raptors.
The Celtics will travel to San Antonio to take on rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Sunday night. First, here are three takeaways from Friday’s entertaining matchup.
Jaylen Brown’s return from his back injury in the Celtics’ Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers was impressive.
Brown made his presence felt early and often. The two-time All-Star opened the game 4-for-4 from 3 and tallied 15 points in the first quarter.
Brown stayed hot in the second quarter to finish the first half with 24 points, six boards, and four assists. While he wasn’t as effective offensively in the second half (seven points),
