Here are the highlights of the Game 1 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals match between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors which was scheduled on August 31, 2020 (Local Time).
Running deep in the playoffs is what most of the NBA teams wanted to do this post-season. Both Boston and Toronto are the first two clubs to compete in the second round after they completed a clean sweep agains their first-round opponents.
In Game 1, the Celtics drew first blood using their tenacity on defense, 112-94.
Right from the get-go, Boston managed to end their first quarter in a high note clamping the Raptors for only 23 points compared to their 39 markers. The game was almost identical to their lone elimination round meeting inside the NBA bubble in Orlando.
Jayson Tatum led Boston offense with his 21 points and nine boards while Marcus Smart added 21 points.
Toronto’s Pascal Siakam managed to deliver 13 points for his squad and should need to double his effort this coming Game 2 if they wanted to keep the playing ground even.
Siakam is considered by many to be the go-to-guy for head coach Nick Nurse squad after Kawhi Leonard left the Raptors to join the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kyle Lowry who was earlier declared as “questionable” after suffering a sprained left ankle went available in Game 1. Lowry registered 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in losing effort.
Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and the Toronto Raptors is scheduled on September 2, 2020 at 5:30 AM (PHI time).
Boston Vs Toronto Game 1 Box Score
Celtics (112) – Tatum 21, Brown 17, Theis 13, Walker 18, Smart 21, Wanamaker 7, Ojeleye 3, Williams 10, Langford 2
Raptors (94) – Siakam 13, Anunoby 12, Gasol 7, VanVleet 11, Lowry 17, Powell 10, Ibaka 15, Davis 7, Boucher 2