BOSTON – Jayson Tatum totaled 40 points, and the Boston Celtics easily defeated the Toronto Raptors 126-114 on Monday night.
This is the Raptors’ fifth loss in their first six outings this season. They had not had such a dismal start since the 2012-2013 season. In total in its history, the team started a season with five losses in six games on seven occasions.
The Torontonians had started the game well, even giving themselves a 10-point lead in the first quarter. Except that this lead was short-lived, as the Celtics reversed the trend to lead by 15 points at halftime.
In each of their five losses, the Raptors enjoyed a 10 or more point cushion at one point or another in the game.
“(In light of the result) I didn’t take anything back except that we have to fight harder,” said Nurse. We weren’t combative enough in the middle of the game. “
In the loss, Fred VanVleet led the charge with 35 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Knicks push Hawks to defeat
Julius Randle had 28 points and 17 rebounds, Austin Rivers had a crucial shot and the New York Knicks completed a comeback, beating the Atlanta Hawks 113-108.
The Hawks screwed up a 13-point lead in the second half.
De’Andre Hunter approached Atlanta at 107-106 with a three-point shot, with 1:40 on the clock, but Rivers resorted to the same weapon to give his people some leeway.
Randle solidified the cushion after an offensive rebound.
Canadian RJ Barrett had 26 points and 11 rebounds for the New Yorkers, who completed a 3-1 trip.
Barrett notably put his team in control 94-93 with a free throw, with 8:35 remaining in the last quarter.
The Knicks will play again at home on Wednesday, against the Utah Jazz.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, eight more than Hunter
Elsewhere in the NBA:
Cavaliers 83, Magic 103
CLE: Chris Osman had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists
ENT: Nikola Vucevic scored 23 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
Hornets 101, 76ers 118
CHA: Lonzo Ball provided 12 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds
PHI: Joel Embiid had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists
Thunder 90, Heat 118
OKC: Darius Bazley had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists
MIA: Bam Adebayo amassed 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
Mavericks 113 – Rockets 100
DAL: a hat-trick of 33 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists from Luka Doncic
HOU: James Harden had 21 points and 10 assists
Pistons 115 – Bucks 125
DET: Jerami Grant was the most productive of his team with 24 points
MIL: Giannis Antetokounmpo got 43 points and 9 rebounds
Pacers 118 – Pelican 116
IND: Victor Oladipo collected 25 points
NOP: Brandon Ingram stood out with 31 points and 8 assists
Spurs c. Warriors
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