The short-handed Celtics still had plenty of firepower to beat the Raptors on Tuesday, claiming a 111-101 victory to earn their fifth straight win. Here are the takeaways. Derrick White was a two-way killer (again) There simply isn’t another guard in the NBA who can do this as consistently as Derrick White.

Still, behind some clutch shooting from Derrick White and a crafty play call from Joe Mazzulla that enabled Neemias Queta to score a late-game layup, the Celtics prevailed, 111-101, as they continue their February surge.

The Boston Celtics are trying to be the first team in about a decade to repeat as NBA champions. After winning the title last year, they felt extremely confident that they were able to do so. Boston decided not to make any moves at the trade deadline to help improve their roster.

Payton Pritchard scored 20 points and Jayson Tatum had 19 points and 11 assists as the Celtics improved to 24-6 on the road. RJ Barrett scored 22 points and Scottie Barnes had 21 but the Raptors lost for the seventh time in their past nine.