MADRID, 30 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Toronto Raptors began their Eastern Conference semifinal series against Boston Celtis unrecognizable, with a tough defeat (91-112) this Sunday in which nothing worked in the reigning NBA champion.
The title defense got serious in the Orlando ‘bubble’. The Canadian team trailed from an astonishing 23-39 in the first quarter, a sign that the Celtics had serious intentions to advance in these playoffs.
The Boston quintet worked perfectly and also had the help of a rotation that is assumed to be lower than that of its rival. Marcus Smart (21 points) had a great day and Jayson Tatum once again led the Celtics. In addition, Daniel Theis and Kemba Walker were not far behind in a great performance by Brad Stevens.
Quite the opposite of those in Toronto. In the champions, nothing worked and suddenly doubts arose that until now had not been, although the competitive level of Boston without a doubt promised a contested semifinal. Nick Nurse’s men could do little with a 36% shooting percentage from the field.
With foul problems, Marc Gasol and Pascal Siakam had to sit down quickly. Ibaka was the best of the Raptors in that tough first quarter, but there was no reaction to the Celtics’ great game. The Canadians denied in attack, with a Fred VanVleet failed like Powell. Going 42-49 heading into the second half, the victory required a reaction that seemed clearly not inspired enough.
Assuming the bad day, the accident to think that the series will not be like that, Toronto saw its rival escape in the last quarter with a triple by Smart with five minutes to go (81-105) that sentenced the 1-0 for the from Boston.
–STATISTICS OF SPANISH PLAYERS.
SERGE IBAKA: 15 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist.
MARC GASOL: 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists.
– .
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