I suppose this is what you would call a let-down game. It isn't really the way you want to start a back-to-back-to-back off. Especially when it would be nice to get some cushion so you could rest a starter or two.
Rapid Reaction: Raptors 84, Celtics 79 - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston
This one looked like it was going to be a laugher for Boston. The Raptors shot 18.2 percent in the first quarter, while Boston opened a seven-point lead after one frame. The Celtics even ran with a second-quarter lineup of Keyon Dooling, Marquis Daniels, Sasha Pavlovic, Mickael Pietrus, and Ryan Hollins and actually extended their lead to as much as 13. But even with a double-digit lead as the starters returned to the floor, Boston went cold and ultimately got outscored 27-11 in the third quarter to turn the game around. Toronto eventually led by as much as 15 in the fourth quarter and that was too much for Boston to come back from.
Green Street " Fast Break: C’s shooting runs cold in Toronto
The C’s trailed by 10 with just over two minutes left in the game, but pulled within one, 78-77, with 20.5 seconds left in the game. Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo helped spearhead the effort, shooting a combined 7-of-9 from the field in the final frame, but it was all for not. The Raptors hit their free throws, and Pierce missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the game in the waning moments.
Oh well, Better luck tomorrow.