:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21280289/20131016_kkt_ss9_152.0.jpg)
Celtics Top Performers
- MarShon Brooks: 17 points (6/10 FG), 3 rebounds, 2 assists
- Kelly Olynyk: 13 points (6/7 FG), 9 rebounds
- Jeff Green: 13 points (5/12 FG), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Raptors Top Performers
- Terrence Ross: 19 points (7/14 FG), 3 rebounds, 1 assist
- Landry Fields: 14 points (5/7 FG), 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
- Kyle Lowry: 11 points (4/5 FG), 2 assists, 1 steal
Recap
Due to their inability to prevent easy buckets around the rim, the Celtics got off to yet another slow start in tonight's contest against the Raptors. Toronto scored 14 of their first 20 points in the paint which, in turn, ultimately contributed to the 9-0 run the team went on midway through the first quarter. However, as they settled in, the Celtics managed to go on a run of their own, outscoring the Raptors 10-2 in the final minutes of the period.
Boston was then able to ride the coattails of Jeff Green and Kelly Olynyk for a brief stretch as both seemed to hit their stride during the second quarter. The pair attacked the Toronto defense in myriad ways, whether it was Green hitting a three and attacking the basket or Olynyk getting it done in the post, the Raptors were unable to contain the duo for the majority of the period. As a result, the Celtics went into the locker room with a small advantage on the scoreboard, 53-51.
Unfortunately, the Celtics came out of the half flat and couldn't find a way to add to their lead. The two squads essentially went shot for shot until Boston was victimized by an 11-0 Raptors run during the final four to five minutes of the third. But as the fourth quarter unfolded, the Celtics put together a true preseason comeback during what seemed to be garbage time. Both teams had most of their reserves on the floor when MarShon Brooks decided to take the game into his own hands. The third year man was able to get his team within two points but that's as close as the Celtics would get. Following a failed dunk attempt by Toronto's Julyan Stone, Jordan Crawford air mailed a three in the final seconds of the game and with a chance to send the game to overtime, Jared Sullinger couldn't convert on the tip in opportunity Crawford's miss provided.