Boston, MA
Celtics at Raptors: Boston falls 119-118 as late push by deep rotation falls short
The Boston Celtics made the trip to Canada’s Scotia Bank Arena to take on the Toronto Raptors for their final preseason exhibition tilt of the NBA’s 2024-25 season, with a 4-0 record to defend against a team expected to be in the thick of the hunt for good draft lottery odds.
The Celtics started their normal cadre of players with one glaring exception — second-year forward Jordan Walsh starting in the place of veteran guard Jrue Holiday. You would not know the Raps have low expectations for the season ahead, with Toronto jumping out to a 24-point lead in the game’s first half.
Late game heroics by Boston’s deep rotation players nearly stole the contest back for the Celtics after hanging around for much of the second half, but clutch free throws late would seal the deal for the Raps to the tune of 119-188 as Boston falls to 4-1 in preseason play.
Let’s take a look at some of the best plays captured in pictures from the game.