The Toronto Raptors pulled off a major upset Wednesday night, beating the Boston Celtics, 110-97, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
R.J. Barrett led the way for the Raptors with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, as Toronto claimed their 10th win of the season. The victory was especially sweet for the Raptors, who avenged their December 31, 125-71 blowout loss to Boston.
“All five of our starters scored in double figures, which shows just how connected this group is,” said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic. “It was important for us to bounce back and compete at the highest level.”
Scottie Barnes contributed 18 points, while Jakob Poeltl posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Raptors’ defense shut down Celtics star Jayson Tatum, holding him to just 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
The Raptors improved to 10-31 in the Eastern Conference standings, while Boston slipped to 28-12, further trailing East leaders Cleveland (34-5).
Nuggets Falter Without Jokic
The Houston Rockets took full advantage of Nikola Jokic’s absence, routing the Denver Nuggets, 128-108, in a dominant performance at the Ball Arena.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, missed the game due to an elbow injury, while Denver forward Aaron Gordon also sat out with a calf strain. The undermanned Nuggets had no answer for Houston’s offense, led by Jalen Green’s 34-point explosion, which included six three-pointers.
“When you’re without two key starters against a team this good, you need to be nearly perfect,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “And tonight, we were far from that.”
The Rockets’ fifth straight win boosted their record to 27-12, placing them second in the Western Conference. Denver, meanwhile, struggled without its stars and dropped to fourth in the standings.
Around the League
In other games, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors with 31 points and seven three-pointers in a nail-biting 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jalen Brunson’s 38-point masterpiece propelled the New York Knicks to a 125-119 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Josh Hart added a triple-double with 10 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists.
In San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama impressed with eight blocks and 12 rebounds for the Spurs, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Memphis Grizzlies from securing a 129-115 win, led by Ja Morant’s 21 points and 12 assists.
Dejounte Murray’s 30 points lifted the New Orleans Pelicans to a tight 119-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks, who remain without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks continued their hot streak, cruising past the Orlando Magic, 122-93. Damian Lillard tallied 30 points, with Giannis Antetokounmpo adding 26.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James and Anthony Davis each scored 22 points to help the Lakers rally past the Miami Heat, 117-108. Across town, the Clippers demolished the Brooklyn Nets, 126-67, in a one-sided contest.
