Kemba Walker’s heroics ruined at the buzzer in Game 3, Celtics lose 104-103

This recap was supposed to heap praise on a Boston Celtics victory that secured a 3-0 series lead in their second-round battle with the Toronto Raptors. It was supposed to showcase Kemba Walker’s greatness in the form of 31 points and the shrewd dump of for a Daniel Theis go-ahead slam that all but secured the win.

Instead, a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by OG Anunoby gave Toronto a 104-103 win in Game 3 to turn the series into the competitive back-and-forth many expected at 2-1 in Boston’s favor.

The Raptors came out the gates swinging, up as many as seven in the first quarter on the strength of Kyle Lowry’s 11 points in the frame. He finished with 31 points on 13-of-23 shooting. It was the first time he’s scored more than 20 this series.

Boston fought back, enough to enter the half up 10 points. Toronto continued to fight on the strength of a starting-five that wound up all finishing in double figures. While Pascal Siakam’s struggles continued with a 16-point 6-of-15 performance, Fred VanVleet poured in 25 points with six assists.

It was not the most prolific of scoring nights for Jayson Tatum with 15 points. Jaylen Brown posted a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.

No team has ever comeback from a 3-0 series deficit. The win for Toronto keeps their title defense alive and leaves the Celtics reeling after a golden opportunity to all but secure the series slipped through their fingers.