Both the Raptors and the Pacers were playing their 2nd game in consecutive nights, and with a win the Raptors would get back to .500 on the season. The Raptors didn't disappoint their Air Canada Centre faithful or their fans watching from home, as they beat the Indiana Pacers by a score of 95-82, in a game where the Toronto really showed their defensive abilities for the 2nd night in a row.
The Raptors are now back to .500 on the season at 15-15, they have now won 4 games in a row, and have 9 wins in their last 12 games. Once again, the Raptors put together an impressive 4th quarter. DeMar DeRozan had an off night in the Raptors' last game in Chicago, scoring the basketball, but he was more than up to the task this time around.
The Raptors came out strong in the 1st quarter, and held an 8 point lead going into the 2nd quarter. The Pacers adjusted and turned the tables, not only erasing the Raptors lead, they took a 4 point lead of their own going into half time. The Raptors came out in the 2nd half ready to prove that they were up to the challenge that the Pacers present as one of the NBA's elite. The Raptors outscored the Pacers by 7 points in the 3rd quarter and took a 66-63 lead into the 4th quarter. From there, the Raptors kept the pressure on and played disciplined basketball on both ends of the floor. Toronto finished the 4th quarter with 29 points and held the Pacers to 19, maintaining the lead, and ultimately earning a 95-82 victory.
Terrence Ross continued to thrive in his starting role, scoring 18 points on 6-12 shooting (50% from the field) including two 3-pointers, while adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Jonas Valanciunas also shot 50% from the field on 5-10 shooting for 13 points. He also grabbed 9 rebounds, and 4 of them were on the offensive end. Kyle Lowry was a true distributor and playmaker once again, dishing out a season high 14 assists and scoring 13 points for his 5th double-double of the season, and his 3rd in his last 4 games.
DeMar DeRozan was absolutely clutch down the stretch. Scoring 10 of his 26 points in the 4th quarter. He was also very active on the glass and in the paint, grabbing 9 rebounds (3 offensive), and he went to the free throw line often, making 8 of his 9 attempts. He added 3 assists and 3 steals as well.
The Raptors' defense helped keep several of the Pacers starters to single digit scoring in the first half. Paul George: 2 points, David West: 4 points, Lance Stephenson: 6 points, and George Hill: 3 points, on a combined 6 of 19 shooting in the first half. Toronto kept Pacers' center Roy Hibbert on his heels everytime he was on the floor. Hibbert committed 6 fouls, fouling out of a game for only the second time this season. He was limited to only 21 minutes due to his foul troubles throughout the game.
Up next for the Raptors is another equally tough task, as they go on the road for 3 games, facing the Washington Wizards (January 3rd), the Miami Heat (January 5th), and a re-match against the Indiana Pacers (January 7th).
(Photo Credit: Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images)
Postgame interviews:
DeMar DeRozan:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
Hq-BuejG5eE[/youtube]
Terrence Ross:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
Z5BhMu0CUcM[/youtube]
Dwane Casey:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=
sAgB02gFA_Y[/youtube]
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
