The Boston Celtics (35 - 42) defeated the Toronto Raptors (45 - 32) in a 117 - 116 overtime thriller Saturday at the Air Canada Centre. Boston had a six point lead with under two minutes to go in the fourth, but DeMar DeRozan had eight points in the final 1:23 to send this game into overtime. The Celtics and Raptors traded baskets in the extra period, with three lead changes in the final 32 seconds. Toronto's Louis Williams canned the go - ahead three with four seconds to go, but Marcus Smart answered with a buzzer beater to give the Celtics the win. Boston will look to tie the season series at two games apiece when they meet again April 14. Boston gained ground on Miami and Brooklyn on Saturday after the Heat and Nets both lost. The Celtics moved ahead of the Heat for the eighth and final spot in the East with Saturday's thrilling victory. Isaiah Thomas was a difference maker again off the bench, scoring a team - high 25 points. The Celtics have five games remaining, with three of those games coming against playoff bound teams. Boston will be off until Wednesday when they take on Detroit. Toronto dropped both games of a back - to - back set after Saturday's loss at home. The Raptors lost those two games by six points combined. DeMar DeRozan was prolific in his 43 minutes on the floor, pouring in 38 points. Louis Williams was a big contributor off the bench with 27 points. Kyle Lowry was sidelined again with a back issue that has lingered since late March. The Raptors will be off until Wednesday as well when they travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets.
["TeamStat(G,'Raptors') has 32 Losses ,has 116 Total points ,has 45 Points in 2nd quarter ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Celtics') has 42 Losses ,has 117 Total points ,has 32 Points in 2nd quarter ,has 35 Wins ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Marcus Smart') has 4 Assists ,has 3 Defensive rebounds ,has 3 3-pointers made ,has 4 Free throws attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Isaiah Thomas') has 25 Assists ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'DeMar DeRozan') has 43 Assists ,has 38 Defensive rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Lou Williams') has 4 Assists ,has 3 Defensive rebounds ,has 3 3-pointers made ,has 27 Free throws attempted ,has 3 Minutes played ."]