The Raptors had the visiting Boston Celtics on the ropes Wednesday night.
On most nights this season, when a knock-out blow was required the Raptors were ill-equipped or ill-prepared to pounce on an opponent.
While the Celtics, at least for now, are nowhere near heavyweight calibre, they are no punching bag.
The way they played at Scotiabank Arena, they are champions in name only.
Still, one can’t dismiss how well the Raptors played, how well they moved the ball, how well they defended and how deserving they were of their 110-97 win, the team’s second in a row, both at home.
The Golden State Warriors are not the same team, and left Toronto on Monday night with a loss.
The Celtics aren’t the same, either, but one suspects the champs will regain their form.
Physical and forceful, the Raptors arguably may have played their finest game of the season.
From the jump to the final buzzer, the Raptors were the superior team. RJ Barrett led the way with 22 points, one of five Raptors to score in double figures.
Boston entered the night having won 10 in a row against the Raptors.
When the teams met on New Year’s Eve in Beantown, the Raptors were embarrassed, 125-71, the largest losing deficit in franchise history.
Wednesday, the Raptors took an 88-82 lead into the fourth quarter after leading 55-53 at intermission.
Boston has not played well since its beatdown of the Raptors, who bounced back the following night by beating the visiting Brooklyn Nets.
Engaged on both ends of the floor, energetic and efficient, the Raptors led by double digits in the fourth quarter.
Boston’s body language was bad as was its overall game.
Keep in mind the Celtics nearly lost to the woeful New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, in Boston no less.
The only road win produced by the Raptors this season came against the Pelicans.
At the same time, the Raptors did play well Wednesday and took a 13-point lead four minutes into the fourth period.
It would extend to 14.
After playing 12 first-half minutes, Ochai Agbaji left the game with a right hand injury. He did not return after receiving three stitches.
The Celtics did play with some desperation with four minutes remaining and Toronto leading 104-93, but it was not enough.