Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images
The Boston Celtics defended home court with a 125–117 win over the Toronto Raptors, powered by standout performances from Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard. The victory marked Boston’s fifth win in its last six games and snapped Toronto’s three-game winning streak.
The game opened as a high-paced offensive showcase, with both teams finding their rhythm from deep. Boston knocked down 9 of 16 three-point attempts (56.3%) in the first half to carry an eight-point lead into the break, then pushed the advantage to double digits early in the third quarter.
Toronto made a late push in the fourth, trimming the deficit to six, but the Celtics quickly answered with an 8–0 run to regain control. The Raptors’ comeback hopes took another hit when RJ Barrett exited in the second half due to an ankle injury, allowing Boston to comfortably close out the game.
The Celtics displayed balanced scoring, with six players reaching double figures. Brown flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Pritchard led all scorers with 27 points and added 8 assists.
For Toronto, Barrett had 19 points before leaving the game, and Immanuel Quickley tallied a double-double with 17 points and 13 assists.
Boston will look to keep its momentum going as it hosts the San Antonio Spurs in the second night of a back-to-back at TD Garden. The Raptors return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, January 12.
Tatum, get well soon! Hurry back to the court so you can be the third leader of the Celtics, haha 
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