The Celtics' Display against the Raptors that Needs to Persist During the upcoming Challenging Stretch
The Celtics wrapped up 2024 with a heavy defeat inflicted upon the Toronto Raptors, marking the largest loss in their history. This triumph, against a depleted Raptors team devoid of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, culminated in a stunning 54-point victory.
Jayson Tatum notched 23 points and eight rebounds across three quarters, while Payton Pritchard contributed an impressive stat line of 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Derrick White scored 16 points, making him the 19th guard in NBA history to reach 400 blocks, as evidenced by StatMuse. White's prowess in shot blocking was exemplified by his game-high four swats, raising his career total to 403.
The significance of this lopsided victory wasn't merely the large margin of victory but the fact that it occurred on the very court where the Celtics had lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy six months prior. The hosts maintained a stellar offensive performance, characterized by fluid ball movement, even if the rewards were slow in arriving. Their defense remained unyielding as well, adhering to their disruptive tactics.
"Yes, I believe that's the key," Joe Mazzulla shared with Our Website. "And one could argue, 'Which came first, the effective defensive execution or the goal scoring?' And I think that's where it all connects. We're always emphasizing the competitiveness, the active shifts, and our ability to fly around, regardless of the outcome at the other end. That's what we're striving for — mental toughness."
The Celtics delivered an impressive 29 assists on 47 field goals (61.7%), with seven players scoring in double figures. They also managed to score on 22 of 43 (51.2%) three-point attempts.
On the other hand, the Raptors struggled, shooting only 31.4% from the field and making just 10 of 40 (25%) three-point shots. Their 21 turnovers led to 20 points for the opposition, making it even more challenging to keep up.
The Celtics outscored the Raptors in the second half (80 points) by themselves, compared to the Raptors' total tally of 71 points for the entire game.
The Celtics' pre-New Year match against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets came at an opportune time. Following this, they face a challenging schedule from Jan. 20 to Feb. 8, which includes matches against the Dallas Mavericks twice, Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, Golden State Warriors, 76ers, Cavaliers, and Knicks.
"I'm genuinely looking forward to it," Mazzulla expressed after the loss to the Indiana Pacers. "It's going to be exciting."
As the Celtics strive to overcome the poor habits that contributed to their December slump and establish the crucial habits for their title aspirations, this demanding schedule should bring out their best. Given their impressive track record in the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era, such a level of performance is expected.
Though the Celtics adhered to their well-balanced strategy against Toronto, independent of the results, now, they must maintain this approach against formidable opponents, especially when they are under pressure. The way they navigate and constructively build upon these scenarios will be more indicative of their progress than their losses against the Pacers or their thumping of the Raptors on New Year's Eve.
"I think it's all about consistency and trusting the work you've put in," White stated after the win. "When we're making the right decisions and receiving the right opportunities, in the long run, that will only benefit us."
After implementing these strategies on Tuesday, it's now time for the Celtics to demonstrate these principles against several potential playoff opponents, including teams they may face in the NBA Finals if they secure a repeat opportunity.
In the exhilarating New Year's Eve game, Derrick White of the Boston Celtics matched his career-high block total of 403, with four swats against the Toronto Raptors. Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics' coach, credited their defensive execution for their victory, emphasizing the importance of competitiveness and active shifts.
Posting impressive numbers, Derrick White and Joe Mazzulla were not the only standouts for the Celtics. Derrick White scored 16 points and Payton Pritchard added 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Jayson Tatum notched 23 points and eight rebounds. This trio, along with their teammates, contributed to the Celtics' 54-point victory over the depleted Toronto Raptors, with White leading in blocked shots.
