Boston solidifies leadership position with win at Toronto

The Boston Celtics secured a ninth consecutive win in the NBA last night. Visiting the Toronto Raptors, the team from Massachusetts pulled out a 104-106 win.

The Celtics were without their injured top shooter Jayson Tatum and also lost guard Marcus Smart at the end of the first half with a right ankle injury. Nevertheless, Boston secured a ninth win in a row, cementing its first place in the Eastern Conference. Jaylen Brown was top scorer with 27 points, but Grant Williams (25 points) and Malcolm Brogdon (23 points) also easily found their way to the basket. For the home team, Pascal Siakam excelled with 29 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, just short of a triple-double.

Boston’s first pursuer Philadelphia secured a hard-fought victory at the Sacramento Kings’ venue. It was 127-129 for the 76ers, who were without their valets Joel Embiid and James Harden to start. Tyrese Maxey was the standout for the visitors with 32 points.