The Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors, 92-87, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday at Orlando.

The Celtics came out strong with an early 12-point lead, but the Raptors rallied back to grab a one-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Raptors held the edge to start the second, but this time the Celtics rallied back to take a four-point lead by halftime. The Celtics pushed their lead up to nine early in the third, but the Raptors chipped away to make it a one-point game heading into the final frame. The Celtics responded right away, as they began the fourth with a quick 7-0 run, and maintained an advantage before pushing their lead up to 10, with just under five minutes to go. The Raptors battled right down to the wire and managed to cut it to a two-point game with one minute to go, but the Celtics drained a pair of free throws to make it a two-possession game and keep it just enough out of reach to hold on and earn a trip to the conference finals.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, in 44 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two assists, while Marcus Smart added 16 points, six assists, three steals, two rebounds and a block. The Celtics did a great job on the defensive end, as they tallied 12 steals and forced the Raptors into 18 turnovers.

Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 20 points, six assists, three rebounds and two blocks, in 45 minutes. Kyle Lowry followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Serge Ibaka chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds, in 20 minutes off the bench. Pascal Siakam had a tough night, shooting 5-of-12 on his way to 13 points, in 42 minutes.