Jayson Tatum would score a playoff high 34 points tonight, and teammate Marcus Smart hit five clutch three pointers as the Boston Celtics took a 2-0 lead against the defending World Champion Raptors. Game 2 started much differently with five lead changes. Later on, in the first quarter, the Raptors would go on a 7-0 run as Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet found forward OG Anunoby in the corner for a three to put the Raptors up 15-9. Raptors guards VanVleet and Kyle Lowry would be much more aggressive than in game 1, attacking the basket more and dishing to open teammates. The first quarter ended in a 28 all tie.
In the second quarter the Raptors ball movement was crisp and VanVleet and Jaylen Brown traded long threes. Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam hit a three as time expired to end the half. Halftime score, Celtics 50, Raptors 48.
In the third quarter the Raptors forward OG Anunoby would step up big time with a thunderous jam coming down the lane to put Toronto up three with five minutes to go in the third. After a VanVleet breakaway layup and a Siakam free throw, Toronto would extend to it’s biggest lead of the game, 78-66. But, the Celtics were not done, as Marcus Smart would catch fire and hit five fourth quarter threes. Boston would hold on to win 102-99. In a losing effort Anunoby scored 20 and VanVleet would chip in 19.
Game 3 is on Thursday night at 6:30 pm.
