In a surprising turn of events, the Boston Celtics suffered a disappointing 110-97 defeat against the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena this past Wednesday. The Celtics struggled to score, putting up only 15 points in the fourth quarter, a stark contrast to their high-octane style of play. Notably, star player Jayson Tatum did not attempt a single field goal during this crucial stretch, raising questions about the team's overall chemistry as they faced their third double-digit loss in the last five games.

Despite his performance of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists over 36 minutes on the court, Tatum acknowledged the team's dismal shooting display, where they managed just 39 percent from the field. "We’re going through some s*** right now," an emotional Tatum expressed after the game. "It’s tough. We’ve got to go through it together, as best as we can, stick together, trust in one another, and just show our true character."

Recent statistics reveal a worrying trend for the Celtics' top shooters, including Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and newly acquired Jrue Holiday, who are all shooting below 33 percent from beyond the arc. This slump has not only impacted their individual performance but has also disturbed the team's collective mindset. Coach Joe Mazzulla has been emphasizing a three-point heavy system this season, but the players appear to be feeling the pressure.

Brown is taking fewer attempts from long range, opting for only one three-pointer in the affiliate game, while White's playing time has decreased as Payton Pritchard stepped in for more minutes. "All of us are wearing (misses) a little too much on our face, and we’ve got to get out of that," Tatum added.

Kristaps Porzingis weighed in on the situation, suggesting that each player needs to reflect on their performance and maintain a strong mental focus. "It’s not the end of the world; every team has ups and downs. Yes, it feels rough right now, and we’ve played some bad basketball," Porzingis said, shedding light on the importance of team resilience during challenging times.

As the Celtics look to rebound from this discouraging loss, they have a critical matchup ahead against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on Friday night. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if the team can revitalize their efforts and regain their winning momentum. The Celtics are in a pivotal moment of the season, and how they react could determine the trajectory of their campaign moving forward. Stay tuned for an exciting showdown that promises to be full of action!