After a pair of first-round sweeps, both the Raptors and Celtics were looking to bring their momentum into Game 1 of their semifinal series on Sunday afternoon. Eventually, however, it was Boston that got the finest of Toronto in their opener. Propelled by 21 points each from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, the Celtics pulled out a 112-94 triumph over the Raptors to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Kemba Walker recorded his first career postseason double-double with 18 points and 10 assists, and Jaylen Brown also included 17 points and 5 rebounds for Boston. In all, the Celtics had six players score in double figures, consisting of all five starters..
Kyle Lowry led the way for Toronto with 17 points, but made simply 5 of his 12 attempts from the flooring, in what was a disturbing pattern for the whole Raptors team. Boston held Toronto to 36 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from long variety and they limited All-Star Pascal Siakam to simply 13 points on 5-for-16 shooting. It was certainly a rough start for the Raptors, however they have experience falling behind early in a series.
1. Bostons defense was dominant.
The Raptors struggled to get clean looks over the course of the contest, and they likewise had a tough time producing transition opportunities– one of their chosen techniques of point production. They also had just 7 fast-break points. Presuming that Boston will continue to attempt to limit its fast-break chances, Toronto will have to figure out how to produce some simpler looks in the halfcourt moving forward in the series.
2. Raptors need more from Siakam.
Following the departure of Kawhi Leonard over the offseason, Pascal Siakam stepped into the role of go-to man for the Raptors. Siakam balanced profession highs throughout the board and progressed into an All-Star in Leonards lack, but All-Stars are expected to step up for their team in the postseason, and Siakam didnt do that in Game 1. 3 first-quarter fouls landed Siakam on the sideline early, and he was never ever able to enter into a rhythm after that. He finished the video game with just 13 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the floor. He likewise missed out on all 3 of his 3-point efforts, and got to the nasty line just 4 times. Typically, when a gamer is having a hard time from the floor, he will aim to assault the basket in order to draw some fouls and get himself going from the line. Siakam didnt do that. Moving on, Toronto will need him to be more aggressive, and efficient, if it desires to have a possibility in the series..
3. Plus minutes from Theis.
Heading into the series, if Toronto had an advantage on paper, it was their size, as Boston plays a fairly little lineup for a bulk of minutes. Toronto didnt take advantage of that advantage on Sunday though. In order for Boston to play a lineup that includes 4 border gamers, its essential that they get great minutes from their beginning center, Daniel Theis, whichs exactly what they got in Game 1. Theis played for 25 minutes, and throughout that time he scored 13 points and got 15 rebounds. He likewise included 2 blocked shots for good step. Throughout his time on the floor, the Celtics outscored the Raptors by 10 points, as he assisted to set the tone defensively. The Celtics are very hard to fall when Theis plays as well as he did on Sunday.
Propelled by 21 points apiece from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart, the Celtics pulled out a 112-94 triumph over the Raptors to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Kemba Walker tape-recorded his very first career postseason double-double with 18 points and 10 helps, and Jaylen Brown also included 17 points and five rebounds for Boston. Kyle Lowry led the way for Toronto with 17 points, but made simply 5 of his 12 attempts from the flooring, in what was a disturbing pattern for the entire Raptors team. Boston held Toronto to 36 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from long range and they limited All-Star Pascal Siakam to just 13 points on 5-for-16 shooting. During his time on the flooring, the Celtics outscored the Raptors by 10 points, as he helped to set the tone defensively.
