Jayson Tatum scored 18 of his 23 points during a dominant third quarter as the Boston Celtics crushed the Toronto Raptors 125-71. This victory marked the Raptors’ 11th consecutive loss.

The Celtics effectively outpaced the Raptors, scoring 45-18 in the third quarter with an incredible performance from beyond the arc, making 10 of 12 shots. Tatum led with four 3-pointers, while teammates Jrue Holiday and Sam Hauser nailed two each.

Holiday returned from a shoulder injury, contributing 14 points. Payton Pritchard added 19 points, Derrick White scored 16, and Jaylen Brown contributed 12 points alongside nine rebounds.

Scottie Barnes was the standout for the Raptors, leading with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl also dominated the boards with 13 rebounds.

Takeaways

• Raptors: Struggled with 12 turnovers in the first half and managed only 29.5% shooting before collapsing further in the third.
• Celtics: Dominated the game early, resting starters by the fourth quarter.

Key Moment: After a rocky start, back-to-back 3-pointers from White and Holiday sparked an 8-0 run that put Boston firmly in control.

Key Stat: Boston forced 21 turnovers while committing just 13.

Upcoming: The Raptors will face the Nets at home, while the Celtics head to Minnesota to kick off the new year.