Recap: Celts finally beat Raptors

With a tough 5 game West coast road trip staring them in the face, the Celtics needed a win over the Raptors tonight. They got it, 91-79, thanks to dominant efforts from Isaiah Thomas (23 points) and Evan Turner (17 points, 7 assists). The C’s also caught a break when Toronto decided to rest All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry.

The first half of this game was close. How close? Neither team had a lead larger than 3 points. Boston led by 1 after 1, thanks to 11 points by Isaiah Thomas. Toronto’s work on the offensive glass (5 OR in quarter, 15 for the game) kept them close.

Terry Rozier got our attention in the 2nd quarter with 5 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist in 9 minutes. Not bad considering he’s battling some sort of stomach illness. The teams went into the locker rooms knotted at 46.

The 3rd quarter belonged to Evan Turner (13 of his 17 points). Did you know Turner is shooting 7-12 from 3 since the All-Star break? Raptors got sloppy with the ball and Boston finally had some breathing room (69-62) going into the 4th.

After stretching the lead to 11, the Celts went 6+ minutes without a bucket in the 4th quarter. The Raps whittled the lead to 2 until IT responded with a pair of triples and an assist on an Amir Johnson (11 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks) dunk. Avery Bradley (8 of his 16 points) made sure the Cs finished the job over the final 4 mutes.

Gross

I’m starting to feel real sympathy for Marcus Smart (1-8 FG). Not only is he struggling with his shot, but the officials continue to screw him on calls.

Greenlights

Isaiah Thomas goes behind-the-back and to the hoop. https://t.co/vwMc5UHyf0

— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) March 24, 2016

Who’s guarding Avery Bradley? https://t.co/huYvMpnKds

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) March 24, 2016

Evan Turner is on another planet with moves like these: pic.twitter.com/zYaFva6w8Z

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 24, 2016

Grid

Boston’s 42nd win secures Brad Stevens first winning season. When asked about the milestone, Stevens said, “You don’t come to the Boston Celtics to win 42 games.”

Box score