Let’s just admit some preseason assessments of the Raptors have proven to be correct so far. We knew they’d have trouble rebounding, that it would take time to develop team chemistry, that Kawhi Leonard would have to work off some considerable rust. In Friday night’s contest against the Boston Celtics, these were all issues for Toronto — for a time.
In a tight game through three quarters, the Raptors were indeed out-rebounded 37-30, and were -7 on the offensive glass; it felt as though Boston was able to get to every loose ball.