NBA: Boston Celtics makes easy work of the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals

With both the Celtics and Raptors enjoying first-round sweeps in both their games, they were looking to carry that same momentum into Game 1 of their semifinal series on Sunday afternoon.

Ultimately, though, it was Boston that got the best of Toronto in their opener winning by 112-94.

https://youtu.be/ciIJNZvkuwc

The Boston Celtics were propelled by 21 points apiece from Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart as the Celtics pulled out an emphatic victory over the Raptors to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

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Kemba Walker also recorded his first career postseason double-double with 18 points and 10 assists, while Jaylen Brown also added 17 points and five rebounds for Boston. In all, the Celtics had six players score in double figures, including all five starters.

However, Kyle Lowry led the way for Toronto with 17 points, but made just 5 of his 12 attempts from the floor, in what was a disturbing trend for the entire Raptors team.

Boston held Toronto to 36 percent shooting from the field and 25 percent from long range and they ensured All-Star Pascal Siakam could only manage 13 points on 5-for-16 shooting.

It was certainly a rough start for the Raptors, but they can count on their experience falling behind early in a series.

Toronto fell behind 2-0 to Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference finals last season but then went on to win four straight games to secure a spot in the finals.

Toronto will now look to regroup and bounce back for Game 2 on Tuesday night.

Game leaders

Boston Celtics

• Points: Tatum/Smart - 21
• Assists: Kemba Walker - 10
• Rebounds: Daniel Theis - 15

Toronto Raptors

• Points: Kyle Lowry - 17
• Assists: Lowry/VanVleet - 8
• Rebounds: Serge Ibaka - 9