Isaiah Thomas went off for 44 points and finished with a clutch soundbite when the Toronto Raptors fell to the Boston Celtics in early February.
"I remember when Valanciunas said we were trying to get to second and they were going for first," said Thomas, referencing a comment made by the Raptors centre. "So, it’s the other way around now. They’re trying to chase for second. Now we’re going for first… Words come back to bite you if you can’t back it up."
At the time, the Raptors were sliding to fourth in the Eastern Conference and entering an existential crisis. After a dismal start to the New Year, it was clear Toronto’s roster needed to improve. Thomas was correct. The Raptors weren’t just chasing the Cleveland Cavaliers anymore. On top of that gargantuan challenge, they also had to contend with Boston — not to mention Washington. Since falling to the Golden State Warriors just after Christmas, the Raptors have lost 16 of their last 27 games.
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But Toronto made some big moves to address clear gaps in the team’s roster, bringing in power forward Serge Ibaka just before the All-Star break and then picking up veteran swingman P.J. Tucker ahead of yesterday’s trade deadline. Both additions make the Raptors a more complete team, addressing concerns about the team’s defence while adding depth and experience. The first test comes Friday night in a rematch against the Celtics — a rivalry that gets more and more heated every time these teams meet. Ibaka will make his Raptors debut. Tucker will undergo a physical this afternoon, and isn’t yet clear if he’ll be in the lineup.
But even without him, this meeting with the Celtics is expected mark a new start for the freshly rested Raptors. Coach Dwane Casey said this is the deepest roster he’s had in his tenure with Toronto. It’s physical and flexible. It’s exciting, on paper. But now the challenge is making it work on the court.
"Boston’s playing very well right now," he said. "[They’re] in front of us, so it’s an important game."
For the Celtics part, the team’s roster looks exactly like it did before (although they’ve suffered from their share of injuries). Despite rumours that Boston might pick up another superstar in Paul George from the Pacers or Jimmy Butler from the Bulls, the Celtics stood pat at the deadline. Boston’s GM Danny Ainge didn’t tweak his squad, while all of the team’s Eastern Conference rivals did. Without adding offensive help, better rebounding or stronger defence at the basket, the Celtics have gone all in with the cards they have.
While such patience will likely pay off in the long run, it could be trouble come playoff time. Still, Boston has won 11 of its last 13 games — and remain second in the East.
In the Celtics locker room Friday morning, Thomas admitted he expected the Celtics to make a move before the deadline.
"I’m surprised we didn’t make a move," he said. "But that’s not my job. I trust in Danny Ainge and those guys in the front office… since I’ve been here we haven’t had a trade, so it’s not a surprise. We just roll with the punches and go with what we’ve got in this locker room."
Asked if he had any further messages for Valanciunas, Thomas laughed, but chose to let his teams’ play dictate his swagger. "Nah," he said, safely. "We’ll wait till after."