Orlando, USA – The Boston Celtics hot start carries them throughout Game 1 as they secure a blowout victory over the defending champion Toronto Raptors, 112-93. Celtics leads series, 1-0.
The Celtics jumped the Raptors early on scoring 39 points in the first quarter and led by 16 heading to the second quarter. Since then the Raptors was not able to get closer as the Celtics held on to end the game with a 18-point win.
Jayson Tatum led the team and he was a rebound away from a double-double with 21 points and nine boards. Marcus Smart also finished with 21 points along with six rebounds and five threes while Kemba Walker tallied a double-double of 18 points and 10 assists.
Daniel Theis had a notable night as well manning the paint with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
On the other side of the fence, the Raptors had Kyle Lowry leading the charge with 17 points, eight assitst and five boads while Serge Ibaka had 15 points and nine rebounds.
Pascal Siakam had a tough night doing 4-of-14 from the field and Fred VanVleet only sank two baskets in 15 attempts.
The Toronto Raptors have a chance to even the series when they face the Celtics again on September 1 for Game 2 of their best-of-seven series.
The Scores:
Celtics (112) – Smart 21, Tatum 21, Walker 18, Brown 17, Theis 13, R. Williams 10, Wanamaker 7, Ojeleye 3, Langford 2, G. Williams 0, Poirier 0.
Raptors (94) – LLowry 17, Ibaka 15, Siakam 13, Anunoby 12, VanVleet 11, Powell 10, Gasol 7, Davis 7, Boucher 2, Thomas 0, Hollis-Jefferson 0.
Quarterscores: 39-23; 59-42; 88-73; 112-94.
