Frustrated Raptors Split Series with Pacers

The third quarter has been the Toronto Raptors nemesis all season. They’ve outscored opponents in the first, second, and fourth quarters this season, but opponents have outscored the Raptors by 36 points in third quarters this season.

It’s not the kind of statistic you’d expect from a team with the reigning coach of the year. It’s as if whatever is said at halftime sends the Raptors out of sorts. But not on Monday against the Indiana Pacers. After watching the Pacers run up and down the court scoring at will in the first half, the Raptors adapted in the second half, repeatedly stymying Indiana with their pesky zone defence. Had they gone to it a little earlier, it might have been enough, but Toronto’s first-half woes cost them in a 129-114 loss to the Pacers on Monday night.

Toronto was once again forced to make do without Pascal Siakam who missed his second straight game with a left knee injury. They did, however, get Kyle Lowry back after two games sidelined with a toe injury. It wasn’t a remarkable Lowry performance by any means, his 12 points inched him ever closer to 10,000 point mark as a Raptor, falling just two points shy of the milestone.

After defending so well the past two games, Toronto couldn’t seem to get stops in the first half. The Pacers revved up the pace and took advantage of some tired legs, shooting nearly 60% from the floor and 61.5% from behind the arc before the break.

The Raptors adjusted out of the break but after a phenomenal third quarter to cut the Pacers’ lead to just one, eventually, Toronto began to fade.

Norman Powell Continues Hot Streak As Starter

With Siakam out, the Raptors turned to Norman Powell to start for the second straight night. While it wasn’t the most efficient night from Powell, he stepped into the offensive void, scoring a team-high 24 points to go with six rebounds and six assists

OG Anunoby Leaves With Facial Injury

OG Anunoby took an elbow to the face in the fourth quarter and was forced to exit the game. It didn’t seem to be too serious, but he walked to the locker room to get tested for a concussion.

He returned late in the fourth quarter after clearing concussion protocols, according to the TV broadcast.

Up Next: Milwaukee Bucks

The Raptors will have another tough test on Wednesday when they return home to Tampa to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks