Celtics Lose 27-Point Lead in Preseason Loss to Raptors

BOSTON, MA – The Boston Celtics let a 27-point lead slip away during their 105-103 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Despite the disappointing finish, the game featured notable performances and improvements for the Celtics, particularly from newcomer Anfernee Simons.

This matchup marked Simons’ debut with the Celtics, having missed the first preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He started alongside Payton Pritchard due to the rest of the team’s star players, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, sitting out. Simons showcased his potential, scoring 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting, adding three assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes on the floor.

Simons admitted feeling nervous at the beginning of the game, stating, “A little nervous at first, but I think in the 2nd half, I kind of calmed down and started to play my game a little bit more.” His performance suggests that he could play a key role for the Celtics this season, either as a starter or a spark off the bench.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed the need for improvement in offensive efficiency and specifically mentioned that Simons has the ability to be a significant piece for the team. Even with the loss, Mazzulla noted that experiences like these are vital for player development: “Those guys have to get those reps,” he said.

The Celtics led 103-89 with 3:45 remaining, but they faltered in the final minutes, committing eight turnovers and allowing the Raptors to score 18 points compared to the Celtics’ mere two. This troubling trend overshadowed notable contributions from Simons and Pritchard, who scored 19 points.

Boston will regroup and prepare for their next preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday as they aim to refine their performance before the official season begins.