Payton Pritchard delivered a standout performance with 28 points and eight assists as the Boston Celtics fended off a short-handed Toronto Raptors squad, earning a 125–117 victory Friday night.
Jaylen Brown backed him up with 25 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Boston, which won for the fifth time in its last six games. The Celtics shot an efficient 54% from the floor and knocked down 14 three-pointers, creating separation after halftime.
Toronto saw its three-game winning streak come to an end while playing without starters Brandon Ingram (sprained right thumb) and Scottie Barnes (sprained right knee). Center Jakob Poeltl also remained sidelined, missing his ninth consecutive game due to a back sprain.
RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter led the Raptors with 19 points apiece, while Immanuel Quickley chipped in 17 points and 13 assists.
After hitting just seven 3-pointers in a win at Charlotte, Toronto caught fire from deep, drilling 18 shots from beyond the arc to stay competitive. Still, Boston carried a 68–60 lead into halftime.
The Celtics seized control in the third quarter, opening the period with a 13–3 run to stretch their advantage to 93–73. Toronto mounted a late push, trimming the deficit to 108–103 with just over six minutes remaining, but Boston answered with a decisive 12–3 run to seal the win.
WATCH OUT EVERYBODY 😤 pic.twitter.com/3fMJdA6MCz
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 10, 2026
Up next:
The Raptors return home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, beginning a two-game set. The Celtics stay in Boston to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night.
