NFL
By: Henry Curi
The defending champions win it 100-93, with a poise that seems to be increasing as the series progresses. A type of confidence that’s expected from a team that knocked off a Warriors dynasty. But this type of momentum swing would be statistically impossible if it wasn’t for OG Anunoby’s improbable buzzer-beater in game three.
Going from the Impossible to the Possible
Anunoby single-handedly raised Toronto’s chances to win the series exponentially. It was the most important 0.5 seconds in the team’s season that came down to perfect execution.
For the Raptors, it was either falter to no hope or gain all the hope in the world.
No team in NBA history (0-139) has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a playoff series. They would be against all odds if his shot came up short, putting them in the biggest adversity for a squad to overcome.
But 21 teams in league history have been able to come back from trailing 2-0. The last team to do that?
The Toronto Raptors in 2019 against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
They found themselves in familiar territory against the Celtics. But the numbers are on their side to complete the impressive comeback.
Toronto’s Dynamic Backcourt Takes Over
Kyle Lowry and Fred Vanvleet are showcasing their championship pedigree when the moment needs it most. The backcourt duo combined for 39 points and nine three-pointers made in game 4. But they’re not getting these shots on spot-up looks. The way they’ve been able to beat Boston’s perimeter defenders off the screen so easily shows they’ve been studying their film.
The Celtics are slow to switch or recover on a running Lowry and Vanvleet. They’ve been getting to their sweet spots so easily the last two games, leaving their opponents stuck under a Marc Gasol or Serg Ibaka screen.
Head coach Nick Nurse had high praise especially for Lowry’s presence as the team’s much-needed veteran for success in this series. He stated after the game, “[Lowry] is obviously our team leader and veteran. When he does it [play aggressive] I think it automatically gets everybody a burst of energy, focus, and confidence.”
Boston Struggles to Make Shots
Not only that, but the Raptors defense has been stifling as of late as well. Nurse’s team only allowed 7-35 (20%) threes from the Celtics in order to tie the series. In accreditation to their adjustment, but they have also made Boston uncomfortable.
Jaylen Brown was 0-9 from beyond the arc before draining his first one in the third quarter. An alarming sight to see for Boston fans because when Brown gets it going from deep, he’s another player who can drop 30+ on a nightly basis for his team. That wasn’t the case in game four obviously.
But the frustration was evident, as he even hit himself in the head as a result of his miss montage, finishing 2-11 from three.
Kemba Walker found himself in his own funk as well. The former UCONN star shot only 1-6 from three-point range and had an efficiency rating of -8 on the night.
It’s safe to say that Toronto has made this a series, and that fortune is on their side.
Lowry realizes this type of resilience shown from his team is a result of their finals experience.
He said in a post-game interview, “We’re a team that just goes out there and we understand it’s the first and four. Ride the wave and understand there’s gonna be some ups, there’s gonna be some downs. There’s gonna be some shots that go in, some shots that miss. All you can do is continue to work…continue to rely on what your principles are and play extremely hard.”
Game 5 is on Monday, as the Raptors look to capitalize on this crucial momentum swing against a capable Celtics team.
