The Boston Celtics edged out the Toronto Raptors 116-110 on Monday night to become the first NBA team to reach 20 wins this season.
In Monday's victory, All-Star forward Jayson Tatum led the way with a game-high 31 points and 12 rebounds, his 13th game of 30 or more points this season.
Fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown also had a well-rounded game with 22 points, eight rebounds, and a game-high eight assists.
"I thought our guys did a great job of fighting to stay in the game in the first half," said Celtics interim head coach Joe Mazzulla after the win. "We did a great job of maintaining perspective and awareness."
After trailing by six points after the first half, Mazzulla's squad came out of the locker room with a 35-18 burst in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Tatum poured in 17 points, nearly outscoring the entire Raptors team in the frame.
Entering the game, Boston were among the league leaders in most statistical categories. They ranked first in points per game (120.8), three-point percentage (40.4), and free throw percentage (84.9). The Celtics were also third-best in field goal percentage (49.4) and second-best in points differential (8.2 points).
