Celtics at Raptors: Boston falls 119-118 as late push falls short due to deep rotation

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 13: Lonnie Walker IV #12 of the Boston Celtics plays against Jakob Poeltl #19 of the Toronto Raptors during a preseason game at TD Garden on October 13, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by China Wong/Getty Images)

The Boston Celtics headed to the Scotia Bank Arena in Canada to take on the Toronto Raptors in their final preseason tournament of the 2024-25 NBA season. They had to defend a 4-0 record against a team that is expected to be in the thick of things. Look for good draft lottery odds.

The Celtics started their normal roster of players with one glaring exception: second-year forward Jordan Walsh started in place of veteran guard Jrue Holiday. Little do they know that the Raps have low expectations for the upcoming season as Toronto jumped out to a 24-point lead in the first half of the game.

Late-game heroics from Boston's deep rotation players nearly took the fight back from the Celtics after they held on for most of the second half, but late free throws would seal the deal for the Raps, 119-188, while Boston falls to 4-1 in preseason play.

Let's take a look at some of the best plays captured in footage from the game.