Celtics-Raptors takeaways: Undermanned C's come up quick in OT
The critically shorthanded Boston Celtics had their six-recreation win streak snapped through the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.
It become an uphill war for the C's as they had been down 4 in their starters -- Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Robert Williams. Despite the downside, they took Toronto to time beyond regulation in what was a valiant attempt for the JV squad. They definitely ran out of fuel in the very last minutes, leading to a one hundred fifteen-112 Raptors win.
Marcus Smart took over as the Celtics' top scorer with 28 points on the night time. Grant Williams and Derrick White brought 17 and 15, respectively.
Pascal Siakam became a thorn in Boston's aspect all through the contest. The big guy put up forty factors and pulled down 13 rebounds to guide Toronto to victory.Forsberg: Will Robert Williams damage halt the C's surge?
Here are 3 on the spot takeaways from Boston's loss, which brings them to 47-29 at the season and go into reverse to fourth region (one sport back) inside the Eastern Conference standings. Next up is a Wednesday night matchup vs. the pinnacle-seeded Miami Heat at TD Garden.An admirable crew attempt
Don't anticipate the Celtics to rejoice ethical victories, however they have masses to be proud of no matter the disappointing result.
Seven of the 8 C's to play in Monday night's recreation scored in double figures. Smart led the manner with a season-high 28 factors, however Boston benefitted from several of its reserves stepping up when referred to as upon.
Aaron Nesmith set the tone with his hustle and changed into a key contributor down the stretch. The second-yr wing finished with 13 points (five-8 FG, 2-4 3-PT) in 39 mins. He drilled a massive 3-pointer to place the Celtics up four with less than one minute last inside the fourth area.
That grab shot got his sidelined C's teammate Robert Williams fired up:
Nesmith additionally impressed on the protecting stop and racked up 3 steals.
Daniel Theis additionally performed a sizeable function in Williams' absence. The German big man logged a double-double with thirteen factors and 10 boards. He also had blocks at the night time, plus this posterization of Pascal Siakam.
Sam Hauser hit some big shots off the bench to complete in double figures (10 points, https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=vforss.le-monde-dhier-vffr 4-4 FG, 2-2 three-PT) for the first time in his NBA career. Payton Pritchard also had 10 factors however his hot streak from 3 came to an cease as he become simply 2-for-nine from past the arc.Turnovers show expensive
Without query, carelessness with the basketball is what fee the Celtics their 7th instantly win on Monday night time. They turned the ball over 18 instances (11 in the first half of) and Toronto took benefit with 26 points off turnovers.
The absences of Tatum, Brown and Williams actually did not assist Boston in that branch. Without them, Smart -- who has thrived in the starting point defend position this season -- discovered himself looking to do a piece too much. That ended in a game-high seven turnovers for the longest-tenured Celtic.
Grant Williams added four turnovers of his personal, which includes one past due in beyond regular time whilst Boston had the danger to squeak out the victory.Pascal Siakiam shines light on Robert Williams' absence
The Celtics simply did not have an answer for Siakam with Robert Williams out due to a meniscus tear in his left knee.
Siakam propelled the Raptors to the OT win with 40 factors, 25 of which had been scored inside the first 1/2. The 27-12 months-old is simplest the 1/3 participant to attain forty factors towards the C's this season.
Without Time Lord or Horford patrolling the paint, Siakam become capable of use his length to his advantage. Theis, Grant Williams, and Boston's smaller defenders were no in shape for him for the duration of the sport as he transformed on 17 of his 29 shot tries (thirteen of his first 20).
Siakam's performance, plus Toronto's sixty six points within the paint, become a harsh reminder of Rob Williams' significance to this Celtics group. Horford will assist while he returns, however Boston will should figure out a better way to stop large men of Siakam's quality in those very last six ordinary-season games and thru the playoffs.
