Despite strong fourth quarter, Celts fall to Raptors 99 - 90

Ready for war.

From the tip, it looked like we were in for a vintage Rondo game. After opening the game with a crafty little scoop shot, he stole the ball and Bradley sank one for a Rondo assist.

The theme remained similar the same and halfway through the first quarter Rondo tallied 5 assists, which included a beautifully fancy bounce pass to Chris Johnson for a transition three. After counting his 10th assist with about nine minutes left in the second quarter, it was clear Rondo was looking for a BIG night.

Nevertheless, Stevens opted to sit him for decent stretches and when he finally came back in he was popped in the face by Greivis Vasquez. The elbow was unintentional, but it still cost RR 9 stitches between the eyes.

Rondo posted 9 PTS, 15 AST, 4 RBS, 2 STL. Jared Sullinger found his stroke in a hot second half and finished with 26 PTS on 8-17 FG, 4-6 3PT, 8 RBS, 2 BLK, but it wasn't enough to top the efforts of Toronto's usual suspects as Valanciunas swallowed anything off the glass and Terrence Ross appeared to be automatic at times:

Terrence Ross: 24 PTS (9-16 FG, 5-9 3PT), 4 RBS

Jonas Valanciunas: 15 PTS (7-12 FG), 14 RBS

Demar DeRozan: 20 PTS (5-13 FG, 10-11 FT), 7 RBS, 3 AST

Kyle Lowry: 23 PTS (8-17 FG, 4-8 3PT), 9 RBS, 4 AST

Despite a fourth quarter surge led by Sully, the Raptors proved to be too much for the Celtics who now fall to 23-48.

The Celts have another shot at the Raptors in Toronto Friday night at 7:00 ET.