Boston Erases 22-Point Deficit: Tatum, Celtics Stage Comeback in 5 Things the Score Won't Tell
Boston rallies from 22 down
Toronto opened with a hot start from three-point range and built a nine-point lead that grew to 22. Boston responded with a 16-0 run, finishing the second quarter two points ahead in the period and trailing by seven at halftime.
The Celtics later briefly moved in front during a 21-2 stretch, but Toronto held a five-point edge entering the fourth. After the Raptors rebuilt a six-point advantage, Boston closed with a 15-4 run to secure the 98-93 win.
Tatum steadies the Celtics
Tatum finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, and went to the free-throw line 12 times. The account highlighted his composure as Toronto’s lead grew, saying he kept the Celtics calm rather than allowing the deficit to trigger panic.
Late in the game, Tatum supplied a key basket, set up Neemias Queta and drew fouls. The account noted that leadership and control can matter as much as a high-scoring performance.
White sparks defensive surge
Derrick White contributed 19 points, seven assists and four blocked shots. A major block in the second quarter helped spark Boston’s rally, alongside Tatum’s four-point play, a flagrant foul and a Baylor Scheierman three-pointer.
Toronto began the game by making 12 of its first 20 shots from three-point range, then made just four of its next 23, according to the account. The Raptors finished 16-for-43 from beyond the arc. Boston also turned three second-quarter turnovers into nine points by halftime, then scored 10 more points off 12 Toronto turnovers in the second half.
Boston overcomes uneven areas
The Celtics shot 41.1% overall and 35% from three. Queta recorded a plus-27 rating in a game in which Mitchell Robinson played 11 minutes; the account described Queta as strong defensively late and effective at the free-throw line while Boston protected its lead.
Boston allowed 12 offensive rebounds and 18 fast-break points. Toronto scored only four of 15 second-chance attempts, and the Celtics finished four points ahead in second-chance scoring. Jamal Shead went 0-for-4 from three; Boston sometimes helped off him, and the account described that as disciplined.
Key points
- Boston beat Toronto 98-93 after trailing by as many as 22 points.
- Tatum recorded 24 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and 12 trips to the line.
- White had 19 points, seven assists and four blocked shots.
- Toronto made 12 of its first 20 three-point attempts, then four of its next 23.