Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors face each other in Game-6 of the Conference Semifinal series in the American Basketball League 2019-20.
Team Preview
After dropping the opening two games, the defending champions opened the conference semifinal series with adding two back to back victories but the Celtics clinched the Game-05 to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Boston led by 14 points after the first quarter and added 13 points more advantage at the half-game to put pressure on the Raptors. Toronto made a comeback but didn’t overcome the advantage as they lose the game 89-111. For the Raptors, not a single player scored 20 points in the game. Siakam and Lowry were held to only 10 points. Serge Ibaka appeared for just 19 minutes and chipped in 7 points.
For the Celtics, Tatum scored yet another double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Brown chipped in 27 points plus 6 boards while Kemba Walker scored 21 points. Toronto’s defense was so poor in the game and they didn’t replicate their regular-season performance.
Toronto shot just 38.8% from the floor, including 12 out of 40 from the 3-points range. Boston shot 49.4 percent from the floor, including 11 out of 34 from beyond the arc. Celtics even also dominated in the offensive rebounds 36-45. Boston held the Raptors to only 89 points and 38.8 percent shooting. Toronto Raptors stands third in scoring defense as they allow an average of 104.9 points per contest. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics top in scoring defense as they allow less than 100 points (98.7) per contest. Celtics has the best point differential in the postseason with +9.1 and they are clear favourites to conclude the series on Wednesday with 4-2.
Possible Starting Lineup
Boston Celtics
Kemba Walker (PG), Marcus Smart (PG/SG), Jaylen Brown (SG/SF), Jayson Tatum (SF/PF), Daniel Theis (PF/C)
Toronto Raptors
Kyle Lowry (PG), Fred VanVleet (PG/SG), OG Anunoby (SF/PF), Pascal Siakam (PF), Marc Gasol (C)
Key Players
Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum (PF): 24.4 points, 9.4 rebounds
Kemba Walker (PG): 21.9 points, 3.9 rebounds
Jaylen Brown (SG): 19.9 points, 6.7 rebounds
Toronto Raptors
Fred VanVleet (SG): 19.4 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
Serge Ibaka (C): 15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds
Pascal Siakam (PF): 18 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists
