Celtics-Raptors: What you saw

Share

BOSTON Finally, the Boston Celtics are done streaking!

Wednesday's 96-73 victory for Boston snapped a five-game losing streak and in the process, extended the Toronto Raptor's losing skid to sixand counting.

Before the game, we pointed out four areas to keep tabs on that would be major factors who won. Now that the game is over, we point out how it all actually went down.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR - If you're looking for a lot of points scored, you're not going to like tonight's game which features two of the NBA's lowest-scoring clubs. The C's average 89.8 points per game which ranks 26th in the NBA. The Raptors are even worse, averaging 86 points per game which ranks 29th in the league.

WHAT YOU SAW - The Celtics' were clicking at both ends of the floor. When you combine that with facing a bad team that was without their best scorer (Andrea Bargnani) because of injury, it's not a stretch that the C's dominated the game with such relative ease.

MATCHUP TO WATCH - Rajon Rondo vs. Jose Calderon. Similar style, both playmakers are more concerned with getting their teammates shots than taking them. However, both players sense a need to change that up some, which is why both are shooting the ball more than usual. Still, these two veterans will continue to rack up the assists. Rondo is tied for first in the NBA with 10 assists per game. Calderon is third with 9.1 assists per game.

WHAT YOU SAW: Rondo had no problem getting to the basket anytime he wanted to. He led all scorers with 21 points on 7-for-8 shooting from the field.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Paul Pierce. All eyes are usually on the Captain anyway. But you can expect folks to pay even closer attention to him after a report earlier this week indicated that playoff-contending teams are inquiring about whether the C's are willing to trade him.

WHAT YOU SAW: Pierce prides himself on giving the game whatever it needs. On Wednesday, he was needed to be more of a facilitator instead of a scorer. Along with eight points, Pierce also had a game-high seven assists.

STAT TO TRACK: Field goal percentage defense: The magic number for the Celtics is 45. The C's are 0-5 when teams have shot 45 percent or better from the field against them.

WHAT YOU SAW: Boston controlled the boards and contested most shots. Doing those two things against a bad team like Toronto, all but guarantees you a convincing win which is exactly what the Celtics got on Wednesday.

Contact Us