After OG Anunoby's game-winner in Game 3, Toronto has been on a mission to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for two consecutive years. But the Celtics proved to be too much for the defending champions. Boston was leading the entire game, and the win probability was always in their favor. This could sum up the C's game:
In just four minutes, Boston was already leading 9 to 3. Their field goal percentage was also a tad under 50%, while Toronto went a putrid 39% from the field. The Boston Big Three, consisting of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kemba Walker, combined for 66 points, and both, Daniel Theis and Brad Wanamaker had 15 points each. This overpowered Fred VanVleet (18 points) and Norman Powell's (16 points) distant efforts to get back. Toronto looked lousy out on the floor and did not put up much a fight to call it a playoff game. But the entire league knows what the Raps are capable of, especially when they put the league on notice by snatching the 2 seed in the East. If Toronto can pick themselves up and step up to the challenge of forcing a Game 7, they will be the favorite to win that matchup. As of now, they just need to regain some confidence after being caught amid a blowout.
If Pascal Siakim can cause foul trouble for Jaylen Brown, just like in Game 4, he cannot be stopped. The reigning MIP has wreaked havoc when he possesses the hot hand. In any given situation, he and VanVleet can change the course of the game. With the leadership and wisdom of Kyle Lowry and Marc Gasol, both 26 year-olds will be able to pave the way for another championship run.
After the departure of Kawhi Leonard, Toronto has been able to pull off some significant stunts during this past season. They swept Lebron's Lakers in the season series and put the pieces together with a final record of 53-19. And although they lost to the Celtics during the season series (1-2), they may just be the team to beat out of the Eastern Conference. The Raptors also have this year's newly crowned Coach of the Year in Nick Nurse to keep motivating the team and pushing them forward. If they work together correctly and perform to their fullest capability, The North is going to be a problem.