(Toronto) Jayson Tatum had 31 points and 12 rebounds on Monday, helping the Boston Celtics win 116-110 over the Toronto Raptors.
Jaylen Brown added 22 points for the NBA-leading Celtics (20-5).
Pascal Siakam fought back with 29 points for the Raptors (12-12).
Scottie Barnes had 21 points, one more than Gary Trent.
OG Anunoby scored 13 points and three steals, leading the NBA in this final chapter.
Toronto played very well in the first half, finishing the first 24 minutes of the game up 62-56.
The score quickly went to 66-66, however, and then Boston distanced itself with a 10-0 push late in the third quarter. Tatum had 17 points in the quarter.
The Raptors still struggled well, scoring seven straight to go 113-108 with 1:19 remaining in the game.
They looked like they were about to add to the suspense when Anunoby, out in the open, dropped a pass that went off the line.
Blake Griffin scored a field goal with 26 seconds left, then Joe Mazzulla’s squad held on.
The Raptors were without Juancho Hernangomez, who sprained his right ankle Saturday against the Magic.
The Celtics were without Al Horford (back) and Malcolm Brogdon (indisposed by a condition other than COVID-19).
On Wednesday, the Raptors will welcome LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. They will then play in Orlando on Friday and Sunday.