The Celtics’ offense never cooled, taking advantage of a Raptors team missing three key players.
The Celtics did what good teams are supposed to do Friday night at TD Garden:
Beat a shorthanded opponent with superior offense.
They didn’t do it quietly, either.
Boston’s 125-117 win over the Raptors (23-16) pushed the Celtics to 24-13 on the season, but it came with more resistance than the injury report suggested. Toronto arrived without Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Jakob Poeltl, yet still refused to go away, leaning on shot-making, pace, and relentless pressure to keep the game within reach well into the fourth quarter.
For the Celtics, the night was defined by offensive efficiency and balance. The ball moved, the shots fell, and multiple players stepped into meaningful roles. At the same time, the game offered reminders - both encouraging and cautionary - about rotation clarity, deadline decisions, and defensive consistency.
Boston never lost control of the outcome, but it also never fully shut the door.
Here are four takeaways from Friday night’s win.
1. Boston’s Offense Was Constant:
If there was one thing Toronto never solved, it was Boston’s offense.
The Celtics were efficient from the opening tip, knocking down shots at all three levels and finishing the night shooting 53.4% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. Even when the Raptors made runs - and they made several - Boston always had an answer.
Payton Pritchard was the engine, pouring in 27 points and 8 assists, while Jaylen Brown delivered a near-complete performance with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. The offense never stalled, never devolved into isolation-heavy possessions, and rarely felt rushed.
Toronto deserves credit for hanging around, but the reality is simple:
They couldn’t score at a high enough level to keep up with Boston’s shot quality.
Against a healthier opponent, the margin for error shrinks. But this was a reminder of just how high Boston’s offensive ceiling remains when the ball moves and the spacing holds.
Jan 9, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; The Boston Celtics react after a time out against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at TD Garden. (David Butler II/Imagn Images)2. Hauser Stays Hot:
Sam Hauser didn’t just start again. He capitalized.
The sharpshooter finished with 19 points, drilling 5 of 7 from three, and once again showed why head coach Joe Mazzulla has trusted him in the opening lineup.
His gravity matters, especially with Jayson Tatum still sidelined, and Toronto never found a way to consistently track him through screens.
Beyond Hauser, the wing rotation continues to clarify itself.
Hugo Gonzalez logged 19 minutes, contributing energy, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Jordan Walsh saw 12 minutes, though his impact was muted on this particular night. Josh Minott, still out with an ankle sprain, remains on the outside looking in.
Right now, the pecking order is clear - and Hauser is firmly at the top of it.
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3. Simons Making Himself Immovable:
Every time it feels like Anfernee Simons is trending toward being a clean deadline piece, he does something like this.
Simons finished with 15 points in 26 minutes, showcasing the exact skill set that makes him so difficult to evaluate:
Tough shot-making, confidence in late-clock situations, and just enough defensive engagement to keep him playable.
Early in the season, Simons looked like a movable asset - someone whose role could be sacrificed for roster balance. Lately, he’s made that decision far more nuanced.
Boston doesn’t need to move him. But if it does, it won’t be doing so lightly.
That’s a good problem to have.
4. What This Win Means:
This wasn’t just a box-score win.
The Celtics and Raptors entered the night separated by one game in the Eastern Conference standings. And with the victory, Boston clinched the season series, having now won all three meetings. Those details matter, especially in a tightly packed East where tiebreakers can decide playoff positioning.
Toronto’s effort, even while undermanned, reinforced that they’re not a team to take lightly. Boston’s inability to fully pull away, even after building a 20-point lead, is worth monitoring.
Still, the Celtics did what contenders do:
Handled business, absorbed punches, and closed.
They’ll get a quick turnaround next, hosting old friend Luke Kornet and the Spurs on Saturday night - another opportunity to build momentum, sharpen habits, and keep stacking wins.
Not perfect.
Not painless.
But effective. And that counts.
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Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.