The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 97-93, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.

The Celtics (55-25) came into the night with their hopes of recapturing the Eastern Conference's top seed all but dashed and Jayson Tatum (hip) out of action, but that didn't deter them from building a 56-44 lead by halftime. The Raptors (40-40) bounced back to chip away five points from their deficit in the third and then held Boston to 18 points in the final 12 minutes, but a pair of late Malcolm Brogdon free throws sealed the close victory.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with a 28-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and two steals. Scottie Barnes offered 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Precious Achiuwa delivered 16 points, nine boards and one block. O.G. Anunoby supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and three blocks. Jakob Poeltl registered 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Malcolm Brogdon paced the Celtics with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and three assists. Jaylen Brown generated a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double that included five assists. Derrick White turned in 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Mike Muscala offered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.

The two teams reconvene at TD Garden on Friday night for a rematch.