Final
Sullinger's big night helps Celtics snap skid
Jan 16, 2014 - 6:40 AM Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - Jared Sullinger poured in 25 points and pulled down a career-high 20 rebounds as the Boston Celtics held on for an 88-83 win over the Toronto Raptors.Avery Bradley added 20 points, Kris Humphries had 12 points and eight boards and Phil Pressey dished out 10 assists in his first career start for the Celtics, who snapped a nine-game skid.
"After awhile, when you lose so much and you're not used to losing, the competitive nature takes over, and that's what happens to me," Sullinger said.
Earlier Wednesday, Boston shipped guards Jordan Crawford and MarShon Brooks to Golden State as part of a three-team trade that also involved Miami. Boston received Miami forward Joel Anthony and will also get a protected future first-round pick and Miami's 2016 second-round pick in the deal, as well as cash considerations.
Miami received Warriors guard Toney Douglas in the swap.
DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, Kyle Lowry had 18 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds and John Salmons added 13 points off the bench for the Raptors, who had won three straight entering the game.
"They had 19 offensive rebounds. Can't win games when you give up 19 offensive rebounds," Lowry said. "They outworked us tonight, which is rare for us. It stinks, guys are mad but they should be."
The Celtics led 73-56 at the start of the fourth quarter, but saw their edge evaporate to just three points after Steve Novak drained a 3-pointer to cap an 18-4 run.
Boston pushed its spread back to seven, 81-74, with 2:45 left, but the Raptors wouldn't go away, cutting the deficit to three several times over the closing minutes.
After Lowry cleaned up a DeRozan miss to make it 86-83 with seven seconds left, Boston was able to pass the ball around four five seconds before Brandon Bass was fouled and knocked down the subsequent free throws to seal the win.
Toronto led 25-23 after the first quarter, but was outscored 22-16 in the second to go into the break trailing 45-41. The Celtics led by as many as 18 in the third.
Game Notes
Boston outrebounded the Raptors by a 58-44 margin ... Boston outscored the Raptors 32-24 in the paint ... Toronto was just 12-for-25 from the free throw line.
Jan 15 10:04 PM- TORONTO: 56
BOSTON: 73
End of 3rd
Jan 15 9:17 PM - TORONTO: 41
BOSTON: 45
Halftime
Jan 15 8:37 PM - TORONTO: 25
BOSTON: 23
End of 1st
Jan 15 8:05 PM - TORONTO: 0
BOSTON: 0
1st Quarter - 11:09
Jan 15 7:41 PM
Related News
- Toronto Raptors Reportedly Trade Pascal Siakam to Indiana Pacers Jan 17
- A successful road trip: 10 takeaways from Celtics/Lakers Dec 26
- Must C’s: Jayson Tatum gifts Derrick White late game turnover in win over Lakers Dec 26
- Celtics defeat Lakers 126-115 on Christmas Day thanks to well-balanced attack Dec 25
- Rumor: Boston showing interest in former Celtic Kelly Olynyk Dec 25
- Boston Celtics (22-6) at Los Angeles Lakers (16-14) Game #29 12/26/23 Dec 25
- Lessons from Celtics-Clippers: casual holiday obliteration Dec 24
- Don’t call it a statement: 10 Takeaways from Celtics/Clippers Dec 24
- Decision-making and physicality were keys to Jayson Tatum’s success over Clippers Dec 24
- Toronto Raptors vs Utah Jazz Final: 126-119 — Raptors lose third straight Dec 23
- Celtics blow out Clippers, 145-108, improve to league-best 22-6 record Dec 23
- Kristaps Porzignis to miss Celtics game vs. Clippers Dec 23