Toronto Raptors 99-110 Boston Celtics - 5 talking points

#1 The Celtics defense helped them pull away in the 4th quarter

For the first 3 quarters of the game, Brad Stevens tried out a variety of lineups. While the effort was ever-present on the defensive end, the Celtics defense was largely in flux. DeMar DeRozan was making plays galore, while Kyle Lowry's gravity morphed their defensive shape enough to allow the likes of Valanciunas to affect the game with buckets.

They found their zone in the 4th quarter, however. With Baynes on the bench with 5 personal fouls from late in the third quarter, Horford move to the center position. It allowed the Celtics to keep Marcus Morris on the floor after Monroe subbed out, and Mook guarded the likes of Anunoby, Siakam and CJ Miles quite effectively.

Jaylen Brown's hustle turned the game around. He had a steal and a block within a short span of time, while the rest of the defense packed the paint, giving up the 3 to the cold Raptors on the night. Marcus Morris signed off the defensive performance by emphatically blocking Kyle Lowry late in the quarter.