By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Boston Celtics made a statement performance against defending champions Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
With six players scoring in double figures, the Celtics dominated 112 – 94 to get the lead in the series. Boston had a furious entrance to get a 39 – 23 advantage in the first quarter and never looked back after that.
Jayson Tatum had 21 points and nine rebounds while Marcus Smart finished with 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. Kemba Walker posted a double-double of 18 points plus 10 assists, Jaylen Brown posted 17 points plus five rebounds and Robert Williams III had 10.
Daniel Theis posted a strong of double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds and delivered two blocks for the Celtics. Enes Kanter was a DNP.
Serge Ibaka was among the Raptors players who stood out. The veteran big man had 15 points and nine rebounds while his Spanish national team teammate completed the match with seven points and six boards.