The Toronto Raptors still have some fight left in them as they beat the Boston Celtics 125-122 in two overtimes.
This year the NBA had two Game 7 matches early in the playoffs with thrilling games between the Nuggets and Jazz plus the Rockets and Thunder in the first round of the western conference.
However, the first-round series of the eastern conference wasn’t as exciting since most of the teams, except for the Milwaukee Bucks, swept their opponents. This time, fans were treated into another one of those entertaining matchups inside the NBA bubble this time in the semifinals in the eastern conference.
THE RAPTORS FORCE GAME 7. pic.twitter.com/GBSpeEA7kf
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 10, 2020
Smart, Powell became the x-factor for both teams
Fans thought that the Boston Celtics could close out the Raptors in this crucial Game 6 as they were leading in the first half by 4 points. Marcus Smart was able to record a triple-double where he had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
For the Raptors, Normal Powell became their surprise hero with 23 points off the bench as well as scoring crucial baskets to put them in the position to take over Game 6.
What’s surprising about this game was that Kemba Walker from the Boston Celtics did not show up much this game in the scoring department despite playing 52 minutes. He only scored 5 points on 2 out of 11 shooting.
This also goes the same for the Raptors where Pascal Siakam also had an off night where he only scored 12 points hitting 0 out of 5 from the three-point line.
It was a spectacular shooting night for Kyle Lowry as he led the Raptors in points scoring 33 shooting 60% from three. For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown had a combined score of 60 points.
Celtics and Raptors with the most entertaining matchup so far
While the first round of the NBA playoffs had its best moments, the atmosphere becomes different once the semifinals start. Other basketball players off social media were nervous about which team was going to take the W.
This game is WILD!!! Got me goin crazy!!
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) September 10, 2020
OMG. What. A. Game.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) September 10, 2020
Who would’ve thought that crazy buzzer-beater from OG Anunoby would make this series interesting as the Raptors came roaring back.
OG ANUNOBY AT THE BUZZER. RAPTORS WIN GAME 3. pic.twitter.com/jfYZPRfAN2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 4, 2020
Pressure boiling for both teams
With the spotlight on the defending champions, Game 7 should be entertaining and pressuring for both teams while the Miami Heat are well-rested.
This is an opportunity for the Raptors to prove to the critics that they could win an NBA championship even without Kawhi Leonard.
As for the Celtics, this last game could be a defining point in the franchise as they have a chance to upset the defending champions. Additionally, this last game could boil down to how tough they are physically to endure another 48 minutes of action.
Most of the starters in both teams barely had rest in Game 6 as they clocked in over 50 minutes of playtime.
Game 7 of this Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors series should be entertaining. Regardless of which team wins, it will be a very challenging and interesting matchup for Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
Featured image courtesy of Bleacher Report/YouTube Screenshot