NBA roundup: Celtics run win string to nine by edging Raptors

Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) drives to the basket as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and forward Grant Williams (12) defend during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 106-104 on Saturday to extend their winning streak to nine games, matching their longest of the season.

Reserves Grant Williams and Malcolm Brogdon added 25 and 23 points for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard scored all 12 of his points in the fourth quarter. The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum (wrist), and the Raptors did not have Fred VanVleet (rib).

Boston lost two players during the game. Marcus Smart (sprained right ankle) was helped off the court with 9.7 seconds left in the first half and did not return; Robert Williams III (knee) did not return for the second half. Each had two points. Toronto’s O.G. Anunoby (ankle) left the game during the third quarter and did not return. He scored 12 points.