The Boston Celtics refused to roll over on Wednesday night, overcame a 22-point deficit against the Toronto Raptors. Boston won 98-93, extending their winning streak to five games even with Paul George sidelined by illness. This comeback was the second biggest in the Joe Mazzulla era, per Yahoo Sports, and it proves the team has a killer instinct when things go wrong.
Jayson Tatum led the charge with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, yet he refused to accept praise for his effort. The star forward shot just 6 for 21 from the field and 2 for 11 from deep, numbers that usually signal a bad night. Instead of making excuses, Tatum offered a scathing self-evaluation that every fan needs to hear. “I played like sh*t all game, especially in the second half,” Tatum said after the game, per Yahoo Sports. “So I just kind of wanted to do my part.”
The Bench Carried the Load Early
Toronto built a huge lead early because their bench players played with zero fear. All five Raptors reserves finished with a positive plus-minus, a rare feat that kept Boston on its heels for the first half. The starters for Toronto simply could not maintain that energy when it mattered most.
Without Scottie Barnes or Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors lacked a true table-setter to drive into the paint. Ja’Kobe Walter led the team with 17 points, but the offense went ice cold in the second half. The team managed only 32 points after halftime, a sharp drop from the 38 they scored in the first quarter. This lack of rhythm from the starters ultimately cost them the game, according to Sports Illustrated.
This victory is not just about the record; it is about how Boston handles adversity on the road. The Celtics are now 10-2, matching their start from the championship season in 2024. By playing in every single back-to-back game so far this season, Tatum has demonstrated a willingness to test his limits. “It’s my 10th year, so I understand the balance of wanting to play every game, and rest, and back-to-backs,” Tatum told reporters, per CelticsBlog. “We have a plan. I don’t really like sitting out on away games, but we just kind of figure it out as we go.”
The win extends the Celtics’ dominance over Atlantic Division foes, improving their record to 4-0 against those teams. Tatum hit a huge mid-range jumper over RJ Barrett with 1:55 left to go, giving Boston a one-point lead that they would not surrender. That shot, combined with clutch free throws from Tatum in the final seconds, sealed the deal. According to the Associated Press, the Raptors dropped to 5-6, marking their first time this season falling below .500.
