Raptors' VanVleet: Powell 'saved our season'

Warning: Story contains coarse language

The nickname "Playoff Powell" has been bestowed on Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell in the past, but he's also had his struggles at points this postseason and last.

That wasn't the case Wednesday when his 23 points off the bench gave the Raptors the boost they needed to beat the Boston Celtics in a double-overtime classic to set up Game 7 of their second-round series.

"He saved us. He saved our season," Raptors guard Fred VanVleet told reporters postgame. "And that's kind of his trademark now. You never know when it's going to happen, but it always happens at some point in the playoffs and he was huge for us. Obviously Kyle (Lowry) was steady the whole night, but Norm really gave us boost there."

While Lowry led the way with 33 points on the night, 15 of Powell's points came in the two overtime periods. It was an essential contribution during a game in which Pascal Siakam again struggled, shooting 5-for-19 with 12 points.

Powell himself battled through shooting woes earlier in the series, managing just 33% from the field in Games 4 and 5.

Lowry, who willed the Raptors to the finish line, had his own way of thanking the 27-year-old super sub.

"F---, that was great," Lowry said postgame. "Thank you, Norm. That was f------ unbelievable. Shit, that was cool. We needed that."

Game 7 is set for Friday at 9 PM ET.