"That’s elite levels of tanking" - NBA fans accuse Raptors of tanking for Cooper Flagg following 54-pt blowout loss to Celtics

The Toronto Raptors were annihilated in a mind-boggling 125-71 loss at the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics on Tuesday. In today's league, one rarely sees teams lead by over 50 points. Most teams are capable of keeping up with a high-scoring pace.

Fans on social media are baffled by the manner in which Toronto lost. Many assumed that Toronto (7-26) is tanking for the projected No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft, Cooper Flagg. Here's what some said on X, formerly Twitter.

"That’s elite levels of tanking."

"Raptors wanna Capture the Flagg."

Here are some other reactions on X.

"The tank is in full effect in Toronto 😳," one tweeted.

"Are the Toronto Raptors trying to chase for the number 1 pick in the 2025 NBA draft," one asked.

"Raptors getting boat raced every night lol if them and the Nets ain't tanking," one said.

"Raptors tanking 30 games into season is crazy work," another said.

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Raptors vs. Celtics recap: Boston destroys Toronto at home

NBA: Toronto vs Boston - Source: Imagn

The defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (24-9) had a great close to the year as they hosted Toronto on New Year's Eve and achieved an overwhelming 125-71 victory.

Taking over the game was Jayson Tatum. JT added 23 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one steal to lead Boston. Six other Celtics were also in double figures to support their ace. Payton Pritchard recorded 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals.

In terms of shooting percentage, Derrick White was the most efficient on the team. He had an all-around game, adding 16 points, four rebounds, four blocks, three assists and one steal. He also shot perfectly from 3-point territory and 75.0% overall.

Jaylen Brown added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Jrue Holiday scored 14 points and Sam Hauser had 12.

The only player in double figures for Toronto was Scottie Barnes. To make things worse, he didn't even crack the 20-point mark as he only scored 16 points.