29Oct
Fred VanVleet and the Raptors pushed around the Indiana Pacers to pick up a long-awaited home win.
VanVleet had a season-high 26 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, OG Anunoby scored a season-high 25 points, and the Raptors won at home for the first time in 20 months, beating the Pacers 118-100 on Wednesday night.
“I thought we were definitely very physical tonight,” VanVleet said. “OG set the tone in the paint offensively. I thought all five guys were on the same page defensively to start the game.”
Indiana was the adversary the last time Toronto won at Scotiabank Arena, a 127-81 victory on Feb. 23, 2020. Since-departed Raptors stars Serge Ibaka (15 rebounds) and Kyle Lowry (11 assists) were among Toronto’s statistical leaders in that game, the most lopsided win in team history.
Looking for the best online betting site and Live betting? Visit Heritage Sports!
The Raptors lost their first three home matches this season. In the three seasons prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto went 89-25 at home. Travel restrictions related to the pandemic forced the Raptors to play home games in Florida at the end of the 2019-20 season and throughout 2020-21. They went 16-20 at their temporary home in Tampa last season.
On Wednesday, first-year forward Scottie Barnes had 18 points and seven assists, and fellow rookie Dalano Banton came off the bench to score 10 points.
“I think it’s good to build a foundation for a young team,” VanVleet said. “The team certainly looks different than a lot of the teams we’ve had since I’ve been here, but it’s good just to build that foundation.”
VanVleet shot 6 for 7 from 3-point range and had six assists.
Banton made 4 of 7 field-goal attempts, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and added three assists.
“When he’s out there moving, it’s hard to guard,” VanVleet said. “He was great for us tonight.”
Indiana’s Malcolm Brogdon scored 18 points in 22 minutes but injured his left hamstring early in the third quarter and did not return. The Pacers also lost forward Isaiah Jackson to a left knee injury in the fourth. Jackson needed assistance to walk to the locker room after being injured.
“I do not know the severity or the description of what exactly happened,” coach Rick Carlsisle said of Jackson’s injury. “Obviously, it didn’t look good.”
Chris Duarte scored 14 points, Jeremy Lamb had 12 and Myles Turner had 10 for the Pacers, who are 0-3 on the road.
Indiana went 21-15 away from home last season, the best road record in the Eastern Conference.
Domantas Sabonis had nine points and eight rebounds but had four of the Pacers’ 23 turnovers. The Raptors scored 31 points off Indiana miscues.
“They’ve got quick, angular guys,” Carlisle said of the Raptors. “They were ripping at the ball all night and they knocked a lot of balls loose. Give them credit, they executed well.”
Toronto led 57-48 at halftime. VanVleet made all three of his 3-point attempts in the third quarter and Banton scored seven points as the Raptors took an 87-71 lead to the fourth.
Anunoby had 16 points in the first quarter.
Get all the latest Live Betting and Sport News updates on your social media outlets. Find us on both Facebook and Twitter
Lastest News
Barcelona ready to switch focus from Nico Williams to Dani Olmo
Read More
Red Bull commits to Sergio Perez beyond summer break
Read More
Jayson Tatum to see floor in 2nd Olympic game vs. South Sudan
Read More
Novak Djokovic beats Rafael Nadal; neither concedes rivalry over
Read More
Colts lose ’23 sacks leader Samson Ebukam to torn Achilles
Read More
Belgian GP winner George Russell disqualified after investigation
Read More
Yamal, De Jong among 10 missing for Barcelona’s US tour
Read More