The Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics were the first contenders in the NBA's slate of Christmas Day games, and Serge Ibaka had presents for fans early in the first quarter.

With just over five minutes remaining in the first frame and his team holding a one-point advantage, Ibaka received a pass in the paint and finished with a thunderous one-handed jam over Celtics teammates Daniel Theis and Gordon Hayward. The crowd inside Scotiabank Arena instantly roared with approval.

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Toronto jumped out to an early 10-0 lead by way of a Kyle Lowry three-pointer, but the Celtics fought back to keep the game close as halftime drew near.

The Raptors are off to a great start to this season, as their 21-9 overall record can attest. Ibaka has played a hand in the team's success. The 30-year-old forward has made 20 appearances with Toronto this season (three starts), racking up averages of 13.7 points on 46.7 percent shooting from the field (32.7 percent from beyond the arc), 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 24.1 minutes per outing.

Ibaka scored 23 points with nine rebounds, two assists and one block in a season-high 42 minutes against the Pacers on Monday night.

The Raptors and Celtics are scheduled to meet in back-to-back games. Their second matchup is slated for Saturday night. Tip-off inside TD Garden is set for 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

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