Raptors 99, Celtics 90: Terrence Ross led a balanced attack with 24 points as visiting Toronto moved to the verge of securing a postseason berth.

Ross hit five 3-pointers for the Raptors, who can clinch their first playoff spot since 2008 with one more victory. Kyle Lowry poured in 23 points, DeMar DeRozan added 20 and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Raptors ended an 11-game skid in Boston.

Jared Sullinger's 26 points paced the Celtics, who will look to gain a measure of revenge when the teams meet again Friday night at Air Canada Centre. Avery Bradley contributed 16 points while Rajon Rondo had nine points and 15 assists.

Leading by nine at the half, the Raptors controlled play in the third quarter, getting a pair of Lowry 3-pointers early in the period and one from Ross at the buzzer to open up a 77-62 lead. Boston used an 11-2 run to draw within six early in the final quarter and Sullinger added a pair of 3-pointers to make it a one-possession game with just under six minutes left, but Toronto countered by hitting four straight shots to stretch the lead to seven and held on from there.

Toronto shot 50 percent in the opening half while overcoming nine turnovers to carry a 55-46 lead into the intermission. Ross and DeRozan led the way with 13 points apiece for the Raptors, while Rondo had nine points and 10 assists to pace the Celtics.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Toronto's victory was its first in Boston since Jan. 23, 2008. ... The Raptors outrebounded the Celtics 48-36 while outscoring them 40-28 in the paint. ... Boston's reserves outscored Toronto's bench 51-7.