NBA Preseason: Mgbako’s Game-Winner Lifts Raptors Over Celtics, 107-105

WINPH Sports Recap — October 11, NBA preseason — Mackenzie Mgbako sank the game-winning shot to help the Toronto Raptors defeat the Boston Celtics 107-105 in a thrilling home matchup. Gradey Dick led Toronto with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist, while Payton Pritchard paced Boston with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Quarter Scores (Raptors listed second):
27-19, 36-23, 24-35, 18-30

Celtics Stats:
Chris Boucher 19 PTS, 9 REB, 2 AST; Payton Pritchard 19 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST; Anfernee Simons 18 PTS, 2 REB, 3 AST; Josh Minott 13 PTS, 6 REB; Luka Garza 12 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST; Neemias Queta 4 PTS, 5 REB; JD Davison 4 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST; Robert Williams 4 PTS, 3 REB; Miles Bridges 3 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST; Harper 3 PTS, 1 AST; Moore 2 PTS, 1 AST; Gonzalez 2 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST; Brown 2 PTS; Tillman 4 REB, 2 AST; Lewis 1 REB.

Raptors Stats:
Gradey Dick 22 PTS, 6 REB, 1 AST; Chucky Hepburn 13 PTS, 3 REB, 8 AST; Jalen Battle 12 PTS, 1 REB, 2 AST; Isaiah Martin 9 PTS, 3 REB; Mackenzie Mgbako 8 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST; Ochai Agbaji 8 PTS, 2 REB; Jamal Shead 8 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST; Sandro Mamukelashvili 7 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST; David Roddy 5 PTS, 1 REB; Olivier Sarr 4 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST; Boyles 4 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST; Lawson 4 PTS, 1 REB; Roden 2 PTS, 1 REB, 1 AST; Walter 1 PTS, 1 REB, 5 AST.

Game Summary:
The Raptors opened the game strong with an early 3–0 run, but the Celtics quickly countered, taking an eight-point lead behind crisp ball movement and solid perimeter shooting. Toronto fought back late in the first quarter, yet Boston maintained a 27–19 advantage after one.

In the second quarter, Toronto ramped up its offense and closed the gap to 30–33. However, the Celtics went on a dominant run, stretching their lead to as many as 21 points. The Raptors clawed back slightly before halftime, but Boston still held control, 63–42.

The third quarter saw Boston push its lead to 27 points, but Toronto refused to fold. A strong mid-quarter surge helped them trim the deficit to 10, closing the period down 87–77.

In the final quarter, the Celtics once again extended their lead to 14 before the Raptors mounted a furious comeback. Toronto’s second unit brought energy on both ends, erasing the deficit and briefly taking a two-point lead. Boston had a chance to respond, but Mackenzie Mgbako’s cold-blooded game-winner sealed a 107–105 victory for the Raptors in dramatic fashion.

Starting Lineups:
Celtics: Chris Boucher, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Neemias Queta
Raptors: Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Jamal Shead, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Murray-Boyles