The reigning champions Toronto Raptors were held tight by the Celtics in Game 5 and suffered a blowout defeat. The Raptors suffered a very disappointing night, as the players struggled to perform on both ends of the court. Their frustration clashed against each other, and Serge Ibaka went off at Kyle Lowry during a moment in the game. 

Boston took off right from the get-go, and slowing down never looked like an option. A convincing display by Jaylen Brown held the Celtics high throughout the entire first half. They went for the break, carrying a 27 point lead under their belt. 

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As the game progressed, the void only deepened as Toronto just couldn’t cope with the Celtics‘ defense. They registered one of their worst ever first-quarter performances in the Playoffs. With just eleven points, the team looked down and out, right from the start. 

To add to the frustration, the Raptors were often put to the whistle by the officials, which did not go down well with the players. Late in the third quarter, Kyle Lowry, as vocal as ever, confronted the refs about their misjudgment, for which he was slapped with a technical. 

Raptors’ big man displeased with Kyle Lowry for conceding a technical while losing 

In what seemed to be a gloomy night for the Raptors, their starters struggled to deliver, and their foul troubles only made it worse. Kyle Lowry received a technical when Toronto was trailing by 25 points. 

While defending at the free-throw line, Serge Ibaka vented his frustration and allegedly said, “Come on man, we’re losing!” while signaling to the scoreboard. The fact that Lowry’s demeanor is costing them momentum did not sit well with Ibaka, who made his discontent apparent. 

He had to be consoled by Fred VanVleet, and Kyle Lowry still had his vision pointed at the official to extend his argument. The Raptors could not recover from their miserable position and ended up facing a woeful defeat. 

With this defeat, the odds are against them in the upcoming games. The team that wins Game 5 when it is at tied 2-2, has gone on to win the series 82% of the time! A stat that seems too daunting to overcome.

The Celtics had six players scoring in double figures, and with this passion, they can well and truly contend for the title this year.