Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from home-opening drubbing against Toronto

The Boston Celtics were straight-up outclassed by the Toronto Raptors last night, in a 115- 83 loss.

They had turnover after turnover, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown only combined for 27 points, Marcus Smart went 0-6, the Raptors took 18 more shots than the Celtics… essentially, everything that could go wrong did.

Embarrassing is truly the only way to put it, but let’s still break down 3 takeaways from the sickening loss.

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 1) The double-big is back

As we all know, the phrase “double-big” leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouths of Boston Celtics fans nationwide.

However, Ime Udoka came out and said pregame that the starting lineup for the foreseeable future will include two big men in Al Horford and Robert Williams. I have touched on it in prior articles, but this should work, and fairly well.

Before either player had logged double-digit minutes, they had combined for seven blocks, four from Horford, three from Williams. They just work together.

Robert Williams is likely the best above the rim threat the Boston Celtics have ever had. It is a lofty claim, but in all reality it’s true.

He is one of the more explosive centers in recent memory, just in general for the NBA. He is an exceptional shot blocker, a great finisher, and a capable playmaker.

Horford, on the other hand, offers the perimeter spacing to counter Williams’ vertical spacing. He also adds the ability to blocks shots, rebound, and is one of the best playmaking big men in the entire league.

But what they both add that very few starting front-courts lack is perimeter on-ball defense. They both possess an above-average capability of guarding all different positions outside-the-arc, which is highly valuable from your two starting bigs.

They finished the home-opener with a combined 20 points, 17 rebounds, and seven blocks.