BOSTON – The Celtics needed a win in the worst way, and their best player delivered a star performance when it counted.
The Green snapped three-game losing streak with a 117-108 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors. The Raptors erased a 16-point second half deficit and took the lead in the fourth quarter, before Kyrie Irving took the game over.
Irving had 27 points and a career-high 18 assists.
Al Horford added 24 points. Gordon Hayward scored 18. Jayson Tatum had 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Kawhi Leonard had a game-high 33 points. Serge Ibaka added 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The Celtics host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.