Beating the defending champions was never going to be an easy task, and Boston Celtics had to earn every single shot they made, defeating Toronto Raptors 4-3 in a thrilling seven-game series to qualify for the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA Playoffs.
Coming into the deciding Game 7, Celtics who had played so well in the series had it all to do in a game that could have swung either way, defeating Raptors 92-87 to book their passage to the finals.
Damn. Sucks that it’s over. Heads high. #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/89SGowxc0R
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) September 12, 2020
Raptors had taken the 1st quarter 27-26, but Celtics played much better in the 2nd quarter, going into the break with a four-point lead. Raptors took the 3rd quarter 25-22, but unlike the three games they lost in the series, Celtics didn’t drop their heads as they saw off the game with a five-point win.
Boston had two players who made over 20+ points, with Jayson Tatum making a game-high 29pts, 12rebs and 7asts. Semi Ojeleye who was on the court for 9mins: 03s and attempted three 3pt shots, made one of those shots and had 3rebs in the minutes he played.
For the first time in NBA history, the Eastern Conference Finals will NOT feature a No. 1 or No. 2 seed!
The No. 3 Celtics will face the No. 5 Heat pic.twitter.com/Vk9MwHJHkB
— SB Nation (@SBNation) September 12, 2020
For Raptors, some of their big-name players, struggled a bit and it played a role in their elimination. Cameroon’s Pascal Siakam made a double-double: 13pts, 11rebs and 3asts, with Ogugua Anunoby accounting for 4pts and 7rebs.
Boston Celtics have now qualified for their second Eastern Conference Finals in three years, and will now face Bam Adebayo’s Miami Heat for a place in the NBA finals.
MOOD pic.twitter.com/EqepPDkgHS
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 12, 2020
