Joe Mazzulla Labels Celtics’ Win vs. Raptors ‘A Weird Game'

The Celtics countered an 18-3 Raptors run to start the second half with a 30-9 response before fending off Toronto in the final frame.

The Boston Celtics finished their season sweep of the Toronto Raptors with a 105-96 win north of the border. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday combined for 44 points and knocked down nine threes.

Without Jaylen Brown, inactive due to right knee hyperextension, Boston still found a way to counter the hosts' 18-3 run to start the second half and regain control of the game. Jayson Tatum, who finished with 19 points, a game-high 14 rebounds, and six assists, consistently attacked downhill to lead a 30-9 response that propelled the visitors to victory.

After the win, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had this to say about the feel of Monday's matchup.

"It was a weird game, first of all," said Boston's second-year bench boss, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic. "A weird environment. One of those situations where we had to fight to constantly create our own energy."

The Celtics have won 16 of their last 20 tilts. The first team to reach 30 wins is now 31-9 this season. They are number one in net rating and in the top three in offensive and defensive efficiency. 

Brown and Tatum have played like All-NBA members. Holiday continues to look more comfortable within the offense, aggressively looking for his shot, and White and Kristaps Porzingis continue to accentuate the team.

Boston continues its busy stretch on Wednesday when rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visit TD Garden. The Celtics will look to improve to 20-0 on their parquet this season and build on the franchise record they've established for their best home start to a campaign.

Further Reading

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Ime Udoka Shares How He Felt After Celtics Suspended Him: 'We've Talked It Out'

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'