And finally the first round of the playoff have arrived, seeing the opening games being played in TG Garden against the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics were keen to get off to a flying start, to create a hostile and unwelcoming environment for the visiting team, but Boston are renowned for their sluggish first quarters which is the way it worked out for the opening game of the series. The Raptors worked their way into a forward position, taking a three point lead going into the first change. The second though was a completely different story. Boston turned on the burners and left this game to look like a blow out. Connecting on plays and filling it up, the Celtics showed why they are one of the most feared teams offensively, scoring a massive 42 points in the quarter to lead by 15 points going into half time. With fans going bonkers and Boston continuing on their merry way, Toronto couldn't put a dint in the deficit, with the Green Machine extending their lead by one entering the final term. With every sign pointing to a easy Boston lead, this is where things begin to get interesting. With a quick fire 5 points by Kobe to open the fourth, the believe began to grow for the away team. The defense was elevated and with more emphasis placed on solid, consistant plays, the Raptors were making a late run for it and Boston had no way to stop it. In the end it was the clock that beat the Raptors, running out of time and coming up two points short.
As good as the Toronto backcourt was, the Boston backcourt was better. Durant was at his best with 23 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds, with a range of defensive stats and no turnovers but it was Ty Lawson that stole the show. His break neck speed and soft touch, allowed his to blow by Williams on a number of occasions. Shooting 71 percent from the field, Lawson scored 24 points, which was complemented by 4 assists and 4 steals.

Final score - BOS 121 defeated TOR 119

Series - BOS 1-0

Desperate to stay away from the dreaded 2 and 0 hole, Toronto were fired up and determined to steal home court from the Celtics. Again, Boston's sluggish starts came back to haunt them, with the Raptors establishing a 20 - 6 run, mid way through the first to stamp their authority on this contest. Some efficient shooting from Garrett Temple late in the quarter managed to put some respectability back on the scoreboard and pulled the Green back into the match, to only be down by a humbling six points at quarter time. After getting a nice little break in game one, only for Boston to romp home a 42 point quarter to stream past them, the Raps were keen to not have history repeat in game two. With swift ball movement and constructive communication, Toronto managed to extend their lead to 13 going into half time.

"Defense! Defense wins championships and we need to make that our number priority in the second half. 63 points to half time is not exceptable" Quoted Brad Stevens as he stormed into the locker room at the break.

In the third, the Boston players took note of what their coach had to say, locking on the clamps and only allowing 15 points in the quarter while they managed to eliminate the deficit and actually took the lead at the last change by one point. Watching their lead and hard work decinagrate right before their eyes, Toronto wasn't just gonna roll over and take it. With seven minutes to go in the last, Boston still held their one point lead but after that it was all Canada. In those final seven minutes, Toronto went on a 27 - 6 run to blow this game out of the water and essentially blew out the home team by 17 points and steal home court advantage, in front of a shell shocked Celtics crowd.

The usually suspects were good for Boston. Horford (14 points), Ariza (19 points) and Durant's (20 points) efforts were in vain in the end. For Toronto, Crowder put in a solid performance, but it was the Mamba who decided to break the Celtics fans hearts one more time. Kobe had 33 points, 7 boards, 3 assists and defensively contributed with 3 steals and 3 blocks, with only one personal foul.

Final score - TOR 116 defeated BOS 99
Series - Tied 1 - 1