OG Anunoby takes flight to make a basket in his team's game 4 victory over Boston Celtics. Photo Credit: @Raptors

If people had questioned their title credentials, Toronto Raptors further underlined why they are the defending champions, going level in their NBA playoffs against Boston Celtics with victory in game 4 to tie the series at 2-2.

Raptors had trailed 2-0 after the first two games, and luckily escaped not going down 3-0 on Thursday when Ogugua Anunoby’s buzzer shot saved them, helping them win game 3.

However on Saturday, they took greater control of game 4 with an impressive start and outscoring Celtics in the 1st quarter by 4pts, going on to secure the win with a 100-93 scoreline.

Although both teams went into half-time with an identical scoreline, the third quarter made all the difference in the game, with Raptors outscoring Celtics by 8pts. Raptors’ big players came clutch with good performances, much better than in their first two games and it helped decide the third game.

Cameroon’s Pascal Siakam led the way with a double-double, making a game-high 23pts and 11rebs. Although his 3pt shot conversion rate was very much lower, Siakam attempted more outside shots (13) than any other player.

Anunoby made double points yet again: hitting 11pts, 3rebs and 3asts. Of the four outside shots he attempted, he had a 50% conversion rate, and he also made 2 vital blocks in the game.

Meanwhile for Celtics, Semi Ojeleye was on the court for 11mins: 07s and he made 7pts and 3rebs for his team, and also accounting for a steal the duration he played.

Going into Game 5 on Monday, Raptors will be buoyed with a lot of confidence having levelled the series and will now hope they can build on this to try and take the lead for the first time against Celtics.

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Christopher Maduewesi
Athletics coverage was a discovery, having to move away from regularly writing about Football. Although it was initially daunting, but now being an authority in it makes the past effort worthwhile. From travelling on the same international flight with Nigerian athletes, to knowing you could easily interview: World Record holder Tobi Amusan, then Ese Brume, I have cut my teeth in this beat earning the trust of Athletics sources. Formerly the Content Manager-Sports at Ringier media Nigeria, Chris is a Senior Sports writer, Photographer & Community manager at Making of Champions.

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