Celtics (0-0) at Raptors (0-0) Round 2 Game 1 8/30/20

[RPGenerate]

It seems like CBS thinks Kanter is unplayable in this series. He even opted for G-Will over him for the last minute of the 2nd quarter.

The Toronto bigs have been pretty subpar so far, past those initial Ibaka 3's. They haven't punished us inside at all for going small, so there hasn't been a need to use Kanter.

[Greenality]

This game has all the reminiscences from our previous match against Toronto here. While C's have some mistakes and problems, Raptors just can't hit anything. Maybe it's rustiness after a week off, since their roster is older, or other obvious issues, but in comparison our guys are really fully committed to getting their job done today.

[blink]

pretty good first half overall.  we def came to play today and are playing really good overall on def.
On off, they have pushed Tatum around a lot, and he needs to get rid of the ball quicker out of the double team.
But we had good balance on offense, Smart, Jaylen, Kemba and Tatum all stepping up.
Our bench hasn't played too badly either. 

We need to improve finishing around the rim, we left a lot of points on the floor by missed layups and bunnies.
The Raps are going to shoot better in the 2nd half, so we have to be ready to play even tougher def and stop them from getting transition points which seem to come in big bunches with them.

[hpantazo]

That was an excellent way to respond and close the half.

Tatum has to get better at responding to Toronto's defensive schemes, he's not reacting quickly enough to doubles and is making poor passes. He has to adjust and improve on that going forward.

Tatum the most out of sync Celtic
Theis a not to distant 2nd

Yeah Theis had several unforced turnovers that just can't keep happening in playoff games

[radiohead]

As badly as Tatum has played, he still ended up with 10 points at the half. Hopefully he plays much better in the next two quarters.

[blink]

I just have to say as well, the Refs seem to be letting Lowry get away with a lot of pushing.  A number of times he was on Tatum, and Tatum needs just to get into the post and take Lowry to the rim in those cases.  Tatum did start going to the bucket more in the 2nd quarter.  But if Toronto is going to play Lowry on Tatum, Tatum needs to make them pay for that.

[footey]

Rob gives us a real presence inside on defense. Not surprised by his great play.

[Sophomore]

That was great help defense by GWill to contest that VanVleet layup.  We're going to need him to play well this series.  I'm not worried about him matching up with Gasol despite the size mismatch.   They haven't posted Gasol yet and I doubt that they will much in the series.

Saw the same thing - agree it was a big play by Grant! Be interesting to see what Toronto’s counter will be, if they’ve got one...

[Jvalin]

It seems like CBS thinks Kanter is unplayable in this series. He even opted for G-Will over him for the last minute of the 2nd quarter.

The Toronto bigs have been pretty subpar so far, past those initial Ibaka 3's. They haven't punished us inside at all for going small, so there hasn't been a need to use Kanter.

Agreed. The way the league is getting smaller, Gasol may soon prove to be unplayable as well. No way can he stay in front of quicker opponents on the perimeter or defend the pick n roll.

[hpantazo]

As badly as Tatum has played, he still ended up with 10 points at the half. Hopefully he plays much better in the next two quarters.

True but we have to recognize that Siakam also played poorly in the 1st half and is likely to start scoring at some point

[Sophomore]

Rob gives us a real presence inside on defense. Not surprised by his great play.

Tantalizing. I think he’s also bothered some 3-PT shooters because he’s actually a threat to block one. But at the same time, amino by just used him up twice w fakes, and he blew a switch. RW still needs better discipline is

[Thruthelookingglass]

Relieved to join in at halftime and see we have come out of the gates strong!

[Greenality]

Who's the go-to guy in Toronto now? Lowry was questionable until recently, wings not good enough.. VanVleet only?

[Sophomore]

Geez. Theis has to finish those layups.

[SCeltic34]

Jaylen just deadly from the corners.