Derrick White made a game-winning 3-pointer with 26.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter as the Boston Celtics overcame blowing a 16-point halftime lead to defeat the Toronto Raptors 108-105 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game on Friday night.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 23 points. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum scored 17 points. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White added 14 and 13 points respectively.
Sam Hauser and Al Horford each scored 11 points in the victory. The win marked Boston’s sixth straight victory against Toronto and their second consecutive win in the tournament after defeating Brooklyn last Friday. The Celtics have now won five games in a row overall.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance but acknowledged that it was not their best showing. Derrick White also admitted that the team was not playing at their peak level.
Despite the win, Brown expressed his frustration with the tournament court, stating that it was slippery throughout the game and raised concerns about player safety. He also mentioned that several players, including himself, had lost footing on the court during the game.
Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa, who recently returned from injury, also mentioned having slipped multiple times during the game, emphasizing the need for a safe playing surface.
Toronto had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer from Scottie Barnes in the closing seconds, but the shot missed, securing the win for Boston.
Pascal Siakam and Dennis Schroder led the scoring for Toronto with 23 points each, while Gary Trent Jr. and Scottie Barnes both chipped in with 14 points. Jakob Poeltl contributed 11 points in the losing effort. Anunoby and Otto Porter Jr. were both unavailable for the Raptors in the game.
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin and musician Fat Joe were in attendance at the game.
PHOTOS: White hits tiebreaking 3, Celtics hold on to beat Raptors 108-105 in tournament game
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