Celtics dominate Raptors in shocking 125-71 rout

On December 31, 2024, the Milwaukee Bucks staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-112 on the road. The Bucks, who are the defending NBA champions, found themselves in a significant hole, trailing by as many as 19 points during the game. However, they managed to regain their composure in the second half and executed a more effective game plan. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had been sidelined for four games due to an illness, showed remarkable resilience. After a slow start, he finished the game with 30 points and 12 rebounds, contributing crucially to the Bucks' victory. Notably, Milwaukee improved to 2-0 against Indiana this season, with two more matchups scheduled between these division rivals. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics capped off the year with a commanding performance against the Toronto Raptors, winning the game 125-71. Jayson Tatum was instrumental in this victory, scoring 18 of his 23 points in a dominant third quarter where the Celtics outscored the Raptors 45-18. This significant win not only showcased the Celtics' offensive capabilities, as they made 10 of 12 three-point attempts in the third quarter, but also marked the Raptors' 11th consecutive loss. Boston's seven players scored in double figures, with Payton Pritchard contributing 19 points off the bench. The Celtics' victory was also a much-needed turnaround after they had faced struggles in previous games, having lost four out of their last six. The team's ability to connect on 22 of their 43 three-point attempts and to control the game's pace was critical to the blowout. The Celtics finished the game with 21 forced turnovers compared to their 13, emphasizing their defensive prowess. Given the Celtics' current form and their standing as the second-placed team in the Eastern Conference, these performances highlight their potential as serious contenders moving forward. As the NBA approaches the halfway point of the season, these outcomes reflect the competitive nature of the league. Both the Bucks and Celtics are establishing themselves as formidable teams, while the Raptors are grappling with a prolonged losing streak that raises concerns about their performance. The implications of both games may affect the standings and the playoff race as teams look to improve in the months ahead.