Celtics win 5th straight, overcoming 22-point deficit to beat Raptors 98-93

Boston Celtics secured their fifth consecutive win, overcoming a 22-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 98-93 on Wednesday night. Jayson Tatum sealed the victory with two clutch free throws with 25.2 seconds left. Tatum contributed 24 points, while Derrick White scored 19 and Payton Pritchard added 14. Neemias Queta chipped in with 11 points and 13 rebounds, leading the Celtics to a perfect 4-0 record against Atlantic Division opponents.

Paul George missed the game due to illness, following a remarkable 36-point performance in their win over Philadelphia. Tatum shot poorly from beyond the arc, converting only two of his 21 attempts, but finished 10 for 12 at the free throw line. Toronto's Ja'Kobe Walter netted 17 points, while rookie Allen Graves achieved a career-high 13 points.

However, the Raptors dropped below .500 for the first time this season, now at 5-6. Kawhi Leonard (left knee) missed his ninth consecutive contest but is improving with conditioning, according to coach Darko Rajakovic, who hinted at an update within a week. Scottie Barnes (left groin) has missed three straight games, while Immanuel Quickley returned after missing two due to a sore right hamstring.

Collin Murray-Boyles made his fourth start following his absence due to illness. Toronto tied a franchise record by shooting 10 for 18 from the three-point line in the first quarter. The Raptors led 59-37 after Jamal Shead's free throw with 5:24 remaining in the second half, but Celtics responded with 16 consecutive points. Tatum scored the first ten points himself, trimming the gap to 61-54 at halftime. Up next, Celtics will host Dallas on Sunday, while Raptors face Philadelphia on Thursday.