All-Star point guard Kyle Lowry exploded for 34 points and DeMar DeRozan added 24 as the Toronto Raptors downed the Boston Celtics 101-94 on Friday at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Key Point of the Match:
Toronto comeback from an eight-point halftime deficit, but after a strong third quarter, they found themselves with an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Celtics managed to close the gap within four in the last minute.
However, Lowry was able to get a foul on Al Horford while taking a trey with 30 seconds left to play. Lowry calmly knocked down all free-throws to seal the victory.
Players of the Match:
Lowry shot 9-for-18 from the field (4-for-8 from 3-pointe territory) and 12-for-13 from the free-throw line. DeMar DeRozan also didn't shoot that well (9-for-25 from the field), but Nick Powell added 20 points in a starting role for the Raps. Al Horford and Avery Bradley each have 19 markers to lead the Celtics, who are still missing the service of All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas.
Aftermath:
The Raptors improved their record 16-7, putting them just two games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (16-5) in the Eastern Conference standings. They have won 8 of their last 9 games and 7 out of 10 games on the road. They'll take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Celtics, on the other hand, slide to 13-10, but still in a very good position in the East. They are scheduled to play the OKC Thunder on Monday.
Full-Game Highlights:
