The Boston Celtics secured a 112-94 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the opening game of the 2020 Eastern Conference Playoffs second round, according to game records from the league’s postseason played inside the Disney bubble at Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Led by twin 21-point performances from forward Jayson Tatum and guard Marcus Smart, the Celtics established a 1-0 series lead over the defending champions in a wire-to-wire win made necessary by pandemic safety protocols.
Inside the 2020 Bubble Matchup Against Toronto
Playing in the isolated environment of Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, Boston controlled the tempo from the opening tip. Marcus Smart emphasized the defensive focus required against a veteran opponent, stating after the game via the Associated Press, “You got a team like Toronto, the defending champs, a really, really good team and they know what it takes … you have to be locked in even more, and that’s just (what) we try to come out and do.” Kemba Walker orchestrated the offense with 18 points and 10 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 17 points and 5 rebounds. Daniel Theis anchored the interior with 13 points and 15 rebounds, and Robert Williams III contributed 10 points and 5 boards off the bench. The victory marked Boston’s second straight win over Toronto in the bubble.
Did you know?
The Legacy of Robert Parish in Boston History
The franchise’s storied timeline also traces back to foundational roster moves, including the career of Hall of Fame big man Robert Parish. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1953, Parish played college basketball at Centenary College before the Golden State Warriors drafted him in 1976. Celtics president Red Auerbach executed one of the most lopsided trades in league history during the 1980 offseason, sending the top overall draft pick and another first-round selection to Golden State in exchange for Parish and the third overall pick, which Boston used to draft Kevin McHale.
Parish went on to capture three of his four NBA titles in Boston before departing in free agency to join the Charlotte Hornets in 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Game 1 between the Celtics and Raptors in 2020?
The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-94 to take a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Who led the Celtics in scoring during the opening game against Toronto?
Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart shared team-high scoring honors with twin 21-point games.
How did Robert Parish end up on the Boston Celtics?
Red Auerbach traded the top overall draft pick in that summer’s draft plus another first-round pick to the Warriors for Parish and the third overall pick the team used to select Kevin McHale.
Join the Conversation
How does the 2020 bubble run rank among your favorite eras of Celtics basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our archives for more historical deep dives.
Keep reading