The Boston Celtics reached third place in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Raptors in Toronto 113-121 in a game that the Celtics almost lost in the final minutes after leading by 23 points. At the start of the game, the Raptors were not a problem, with a static and predictable offense and a defense unable to stop the long-range shots of White or Sam Hauser. The first 12 minutes concluded with a 26-34 score in favor of Boston. However, a timeout by Mazzulla got the Celtics back on track. Consecutive three-pointers by White and Payton Pritchard restored calm to the Celtics and broke the Raptors' scheme, which was already unable to coordinate attacks, leaving the final score at 113-121. With 10 minutes left, the Raptors took the lead for the first time, 98-97. The first half of the game went smoothly for Mazzulla's team. After the break, the same tone continued, and the Celtics reached their largest lead, 23 points with 64-87 with 8 minutes left in the third quarter. But from that moment on, after a Raptors timeout, the home team began their comeback to end the period 91-97. The Celtics' momentum in defense and attack continued at the start of the final 12 minutes, led by Ingram. Although he scored the two shots he took, a three-pointer and a dunk, his defensive performance left much to be desired, and the Celtics' coach, Joe Mazzulla, took him off the court in the middle of a scolding. The Canadians would manage to get three points ahead.
