The Boston Celtics were unable to keep their winning streak alive against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, suffering a 20-point defeat at the Air Canada Centre, as the second-place Raptors inched a game closer to the Eastern Conference leaders with this win.

Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, who returned from a quadriceps injury just in time for this clash, took the blame squarely on his chest, as his team was blown out throughout the game.

“I think the biggest surprise was myself,” said Irving, according to ESPN’s Chris Forsberg. “I think that's the biggest thing. I’ll probably harp on myself more than I will on our team effort.”

“Even our young guys coming in, they still gave the effort that we needed. As a one of the veterans on this team, I just got to be better. This one is just mainly on me, kind of just taking responsibility and trying to be better as we go forward.”

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Boston had five players in double figures, but three of them were coming off the bench, as the Raptors made quick work of the Celtics defense, carving up a 21-point lead at the half.

Irving was outscored by his own backup, Terry Rozier, who led the team with 18 points, connecting in 4-of-5 of his 3-point attempts and all four of his foul shots.

This was a win the Celtics had to have, and they could soon see the consequences if they can't keep Toronto at bay within the next few weeks, as the vie for the No. 1 seed.