BOSTON — The Celtics received a bit of a reality check from an Atlantic Division foe Friday night.
The Toronto Raptors outscored Boston by 10 points in the second half with the help of timely 3-pointers and plenty of free throws to earn a 113-103 win at TD Garden.
Isaiah Thomas carried the load offensively for Boston with 25 points and seven assists — both team highs — while big men Amir Johnson (11 points), Kelly Olynyk (11 points) and Tyler Zeller (10 points) and guard Avery Bradley (13 points) all reached double figures in scoring.
DeMar DeRozan paced Toronto with 23 points, with newcomer DeMarre Carroll and forward Terrence Ross adding 21 apiece.
STARTING FIVE
Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, David Lee, Tyler Zeller
ON THE RUN
The Celtics established a fast-paced tempo out of the gate. While Boston and Toronto ended the first quarter tied at 26, the Celtics outscored the Raptors 9-0 on fast-break points in the frame.
The C’s used defense to create offense on several occasions, including this Jae Crowder steal that led to an Avery Bradley 3-pointer.
ROADBLOCK
The game slowed down to a snail’s pace, however, as the referees made liberal use of their whistles, issuing a total of 17 fouls (nine on Toronto, eight on Boston) in the second quarter alone. Jared Sullinger, Jae Crowder and Raptors guard Cory Joseph also were assessed technical fouls in the sloppy, testy quarter.
The Raptors made the most of their trips to the charity stripe throughout the night, converting 30 of their 35 free throw attempts.
DEEP IMPACT
The Celtics had trouble defending the 3-pointer — especially in the second half — and it cost them dearly.
The Raptors knocked down 11 long balls on 26 attempts, including three over a two-plus minute span in the third quarter to help them establish a commanding lead they didn’t relinquish.
Carroll did the bulk of Toronto’s scoring from the perimeter by hitting four of his seven 3-point attempts, many of which were wide-open looks.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT
Marcus Smart had missed his first five field goal attempts as of late in the second quarter. Then he did this.
UP NEXT
The Celtics face a daunting task Sunday, as they welcome Tim Duncan, LaMarcus Aldridge and the San Antonio Spurs to town. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.
Thumbnail photo via Gregory J. Fisher/USA TODAY Sports Images
