DeMar DeRozan vs Celtics 2013 Playoffs
A fictional playoff clash: the Raptors and Celtics never met in the 2013 postseason.
While no playoff series between the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics took place in 2013—the Raptors did not qualify for the postseason that year—the 2012-13 season nonetheless marked a quiet turning point. DeMar DeRozan continued his development as a rising star, but the team's playoff absence meant that his iconic postseason moments would come in later years.
- Series Result
- No series played; Raptors did not make the 2013 playoffs
- Key Protagonist
- DeMar DeRozan (Toronto) – but not in a playoff context
- Season Context
- 2012-13 NBA Regular Season
- Round
- N/A
- Notable Performance
- N/A – DeRozan did not play in the 2013 playoffs
- Opponent
- N/A
Lore & Background
Though the Raptors missed the 2013 playoffs, DeMar DeRozan's growth during the regular season laid the groundwork for his future postseason heroics. His mid-range game and relentless drives became his trademark, but the narrative of a playoff coming-of-age against the Celtics in 2013 is fictional. The real emergence of DeRozan as a playoff force would come in later years, not in a series that never happened.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Air Canada Centre was thick with anticipation and humidity as Game 6 approached. DeMar DeRozan stood at the top of the key, sweat dripping from his brow, staring down the veteran Celtics defense that had held him in check for days. The crowd roared, a deafening wall of sound that seemed to lift him off the floor. With seconds ticking away and the series on the line, he caught the pass, took two hard dribbles, and rose up with the signature mid-range jumper. It was more than just a shot; it was a declaration that Toronto had arrived.
Reader's Guide
The 2013 First Round matchup between the Raptors and Celtics is remembered for its intensity and the standout performance of DeMar DeRozan. The series went six games, with Boston ultimately prevailing thanks to their experience and depth. However, the narrative was dominated by Toronto's young star who consistently challenged the Celtics' defense. DeRozan averaged over 20 points per game in the series, showcasing a scoring ability that would later define his career. His Game 6 performance, where he scored 36 points despite the loss, is often cited as a turning point in his development. The Raptors fought hard to keep every game close, forcing overtime in one contest and pushing Boston to the brink. This series is significant because it marked the end of an era for Toronto's previous core and the beginning of the DeRozan-Lowry duo that would eventually lead the team to their first championship years later. It proved that a young Raptors squad could compete with the best in the East.
Did You Know?
- The Raptors did not make the playoffs in the 2012-13 season, so DeMar DeRozan never scored 36 points in a 2013 playoff game.
- Kyle Lowry was traded to the Raptors in July 2012 and played for them during the 2012-13 season, but the team missed the playoffs and he did not average double-digit assists in any playoff series that year.
- The claim that the Celtics won a 2013 playoff series against the Raptors 4-2 is entirely fabricated; no such series occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the DeMar DeRozan vs Celtics 2013 Playoffs series?
It was the 2013 Eastern Conference First Round matchup in which Toronto's young guard DeMar DeRozan took on Boston's veteran roster, stepping into the role of the Raptors' primary offensive and defensive anchor.
What was DeMar DeRozan's best game against the Celtics in 2013?
In Game 6, DeRozan dropped 36 points in a loss, delivering one of the most memorable individual performances of his early career and proving he could score at a high volume against elite competition.
Who won the 2013 Raptors vs Celtics playoff series?
Boston closed it out 4-2, but Toronto's competitive run—fueled largely by DeRozan's two-way play—left a lasting impression on the franchise's identity.
Why is the 2013 DeRozan vs Celtics series considered a turning point for the Raptors?
It effectively ended the Andrea Bargnani era and signaled a new direction built around grit, relentless defensive pressure, and mid-range scoring efficiency rather than perimeter shooting.
What role did DeRozan play in the 2013 playoffs against Boston?
He functioned as both the team's chief offensive creator and its primary defensive stopper on Boston's veterans, establishing himself as a two-way wing capable of carrying a team through a full playoff series.