All five started scored in double digits as the Boston Celtics secured a 105-96 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Jayson Tatum stood out for the Celtics, leading them with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White shared the top-scoring honors, each contributing 22 points. On the Raptors’ side, five players also reached double-digit scores. RJ Barrett led with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley added 21 points alongside Pascal Siakam’s 17 to the mix.

Despite the Raptors responding effectively to every move by the Celtics throughout the game, their efforts fell short in the late stages, ultimately unable to secure the victory. However, as the closely contested battle concluded, Tatum was met with a heartwarming gesture by an ex-Celtics player.

Jayson Tatum receives a personalized gift from ex-teammate

In a post-game gesture filled with camaraderie, Dennis Schroder, formerly a Celtic and teammate of Jayson Tatum, presented the young superstar with his #17 Raptors jersey. Going beyond a simple exchange, Schroder added a personal touch to the gift by inscribing “Brodie 4 Life,” symbolizing their enduring connection through the sport. Alongside the heartfelt message, Schroder expressed his genuine hope for Tatum’s success, encouraging him to “Go get that chip this year.”

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Furthermore, Schroder made a bold statement regarding Tatum’s standing in the league, emphatically claiming him to be one of the top players with the inscription “Ps: Top 5,” proudly positioned above his signature. Tatum, appreciating the thoughtful gesture, shared an image of the gifted jersey on his Instagram story, showcasing the mutual respect between the two.

The third quarter proved monumental for both teams

Continuing a trend from the previous year, the Boston Celtics have once again achieved a season sweep of the Toronto Raptors, concluding the 2023-24 season series with a recent victory. The most noteworthy aspect of this accomplishment unfolded in the third quarter, a period that had proven to be the Achilles’ heel for the Celtics earlier in the season.

Celtics’ vulnerability persisted against Toronto, as the Raptors managed to erase an 11-point lead, ultimately taking a 7-point advantage after a remarkable 20-3 run. However, Jayson Tatum emerged as the catalyst for the Celtics. The team orchestrated a stunning turnaround with a 20-point run of their own. Tatum’s role was monumental as he scored or assisted on 14 of the 23 points by the Celtics in the third quarter, setting the stage for a strong checkpoint in the fourth quarter.

Looking ahead, the Celtics will now face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs before taking on the defending champions in their upcoming matchups.

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