Despite big games from Siakam and Achiuwa, Toronto fall short
Toronto lose to Boston despite Pascal Siakam and Precious Achiuwa. The two African big men both turned in strong performances.
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With just a few days left in the regular season, every win is precious and every defeat can cost ground. The NBA standings have never been so open and tight. Toronto are looking to secure the 8th seed in the East, which would give them a route into the play-offs through just one play-in game.
The Canadian franchise unfortunately wasted a chance last night against Boston. True, the Celtics, second in the Conference, are no pushovers. But the Massachusetts franchise's coaching staff had decided to rest their best player, Jayson Tatum, along with the equally important Al Horford and Marcus Smart.
Toronto failed to take advantage, though. The Canadians lost 97-93, struggling above all from beyond the arc with a dismal 6/33. Pascal Siakam did try to carry his team throughout the game. The Cameroonian power forward worked hard at both ends of the floor, but he did not get enough scoring support. He finished with a double-double (28 pts and 11 rebounds).
Off the bench, Precious Achiuwa chipped in. In just 20 minutes on the floor, the Nigerian centre compiled 16 points (7/11 from the field), 9 rebounds and 1 block.
Boston and Toronto meet again this Friday night for another encounter.
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