The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 109 - 104, at TD Garden on Wednesday. Despite the Raptors leading for the first 42 minutes of this game, the Celtics took the most important one to escape with a win. In fact, the five - point margin was Boston's biggest lead, as they held the lead for less than three total minutes. The fourth quarter was the difference, with the Celtics winning that quarter, 32 - 19. Despite dominating the shooting, the free - throw line really killed Toronto, as they shot 56 percent from the charity stripe, while Boston shot 83 percent. The assist - to - turnover differential was huge for Boston too, recording seven more assists than Toronto and committing six less turnovers. The Raptors (30 - 20) had to play this game without DeMar DeRozan (ankle), as it marked their seventh loss in their last nine games. Kyle Lowry carried the load, as he led the team with 32 points, two rebounds five assists and two steals. Norman Powell started for DeRozan and finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jared Sullinger was second on the team in scoring, dropping 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. Toronto will play the Orlando Magic on the road for their next game on Friday. The Celtics (31 - 18) have rode Isaiah Thomas' ridiculous fourth quarter form all season and that was the recipe once again here. Thomas finished the game with 44 points and seven assists, with 19 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Jae Crowder was second on the team, providing 14 points and eight rebounds. Al Horford scored just 11 points on 4 - of - 13 shooting, but grabbed three rebounds and handed out six assists. Marcus Smart was the only other Boston player in double figures, as he accumulated 10 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals off the bench. The Celtics next game is on Friday, as they host the Los Angeles Lakers.
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 "PlayerStat(G,'Kyle Lowry') has 5 Assists ,has 32 Field goals attempted ,has 2 Field goals made ,has 2 Points ."
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 "PlayerStat(G,'Al Horford') has 6 Assists ,has 13 Field goals attempted ,has 4 Field goals made ,has 11 Points ,has 3 Total rebounds ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Isaiah Thomas') has 7 Assists ,has 44 Field goals attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Marcus Smart') has 5 Assists ,has 10 Field goals attempted ,has 5 Field goals made ,has 2 Points ."]