Celtics Defeat Raptors 123-116 In Overtime Thriller

by
Former Writers
November 17, 2018

Highlight Store via Flickr

Last night was one of the biggest games so far this season. The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics are commonly seen as the two best teams in the league, and last night they went head to head. It was a back and forth contest that couldn’t be determined in four quarters. The Celtics relied on the heroic performance by Kyrie Irving. As a result, Irving finished with 43 points and 11 assists in the Celtics 123-116 overtime win.

Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum also had impressive performances of their own. This would be imperative for Boston success. It has been too many times this season that Irving had a great game, but didn’t have any backup. Every player 1-9, excluding Jaylen Brown, had a good to great offensive game.

We got our shot at redemption Friday night, and we capitalized on it by taking down the Raptors 123-116 in OT. https://t.co/9S9URhtpW3

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 17, 2018

The Importance of Defending the Garden

The Celtics continue their streak of defending home court. They have only lost one game at home this season. That loss was to the Orlando Magic. Winning last night also shows how important it is that this team maintains home court advantage through the playoffs. Having to play in Toronto or Milwaukee four times in a series can be the difference before winning and losing.

Most importantly, last night’s game was a statement. It’s a win that this team desperately needed. The Celtics were spiraling, with no identity of who they are. Beating the Raptors last night also sent a message to the rest of the league about who they are. The Celtics are the team to beat.

Player of the Game: Kyrie Irving

This was rather predictable. Irving was just the best player on the court, and has been for the past few weeks. He has been incredible, and is forcibly pushing himself into MVP discussion. This game will be on his highlight reel at the end of the season.

Honorable Mentions: Gordon Hayward and Jayson Tatum

Uncle Drew (43 PTS, 11 AST) took over down the stretch in the Celtics OT win over the Raptors! 🔥👀 pic.twitter.com/VbNqQGzvF7

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 17, 2018

Looking Forward to the Next Game

The Boston Celtics play the latter half of a back-to-back against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz have been struggling lately. They lost by 50 points to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. They also lost on Friday night to the Philadelphia 76ers 113-107. However, the Jazz defeated the Celtics last Friday night in Utah 123-115. Irving didn’t play in that game due to personal reasons.