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Raptors beat Celtics at 2OT to force Game 7
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – September 10, 2020 – 10:02 am
MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Toronto Raptors stay alive in the title defense after beating the Boston Celtics, 125-122, in game six of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) .
Norman Powell made two free throws in the second overtime to give the Raptors plenty of room to breathe and hold the victory.
Both teams battled to final possession, exchanging clutch baskets.
After they got caught playing catch-up against the Celtics, a 3 from the corner by OG Anunoby gave Toronto the lead, 118-117 with 57.5 ticks left in the game.
This seemed to change the momentum at his side with Powell increasing the lead to four on a three-point play, 121-117.
While Jayson Tatum’s 3-pointer kept the door ajar for the Celtics with just one point down, 122-123, with six seconds to go, Powell’s free throws were the nail in the coffin.
A total of six players from both teams played more than 50 minutes in the cardiac game.
Kyle Lowry was the best scorer for the Raptors with 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Lowry also made offensive and defensive plays in the second overtime, including a jump shot that increased his lead, 123-119.
Powell and Fred VanVleet contributed 23 and 21 points, respectively.
VanVleet flirted with the triple-double with nine rebounds and seven assists to go with his 21 points.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics on offense with 29 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists.
Marcus Smart had a triple-double with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
The seventh winner takes all game is scheduled to begin on Friday (Saturday Manila time).
The winner will face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
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