Toronto Raptors lose to Indiana Pacers 127-125 in the last seconds

admin | February 22, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

An emotional Valentine’s Day game ended in sadness for the Raptors, who lost to Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers.

The Toronto Raptors played their final game before the All-Star break tonight, and not only was it Valentine’s Day, but we all had to face our ex. Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers were in town for the first time since Siakam was traded less than a month ago.

The night began with an emotional tribute video and a standing ovation for the former Raptor who played for the Pacers.

The Raptors started with their normal lineup of RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakon Poeltl, Gary Trent Jr., and Immanuel Quickley.

Toronto jumped off to a 16-8 lead over the Pacers before the first timeout. Barrett scored seven of those points for Toronto, returning after missing practice yesterday for personal reasons. He even received a charge throughout the first quarter.

The Pacers rallied, with Siakam getting his first bucket of the game at the end of the first quarter. Hero Doug McDermott hit a crazy buzzer-beating shot to close the quarter, but the Raptors led 35-34.

Don’t be surprised if the Raptors maintained their lead into the second quarter. The Indiana Pacers’ overall mood is one of vibes rather than defense. Your vibes are out-bucketing your opponent. Indiana has a lot of bucket-getters, but they weren’t shooting well in the first half.

They effectively don’t play defense and expect to outscore their opponents. Which works when Tyrese Haliburton spends the entire night making circus shots. However, in the first half of tonight’s game, the Raptors only took a handful more shots.

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At halftime, the Raptors were ahead 71-65.

In terms of shooting, the Pacers shot 46.2% (24-52) from the field in the first half, while the Raptors shot 56.9% (29-51), making the game tight. From three, the Raptors were slightly ahead of the Pacers, 41.7% (5-12) to 40.2% (9-22), but Indiana made more.

By halftime, RJ Barrett had 17 points, while Scottie Barnes had 14. Haliburton led the Pacers with 14 points.

The Pacers caught up to the Raptors early in the third quarter and defeated them. Siakam, of course, scored the opening points of the game, giving the Pacers the lead.

It became a battle of the lead changeovers as both teams went bucket for bucket for the majority of the third quarter.

Obviously, considering the occasion and who we were celebrating, the attendance inside Scotiabank Arena was incredible, especially as the game approached.

As expected in a high-offensive game like this one, the Raptors scored 100 points before the third quarter ended. RJ Barrett continued to dominate, getting to the basket with ease thanks to the Pacers’… lack of defence.

Toronto lead 103-101 with a quarter to go.

It was a bucket-for-bucket game throughout the fourth quarter, with both sides trading leads several times.

At the three-minute mark, the Pacers led by three, but RJ Barrett’s physicality allowed him to get to the line. He missed both, which was a significant game changer for the Raptors.

On their next possession, they fumbled and gave the ball over to the Pacers, who fumbled it as well. The Pacers would contest the call.

Following a HUGE Scottie Barnes bucket, Pascal Siakam returned the bucket, bringing the Pacers ahead by three points with 20 seconds remaining. The Raptors took possession, and Scottie Barnes attempted to tie the game but missed a three-pointer.

Unfortunately, RJ Barrett missed the shot on the ATO play, and the Raptors lost by two to the Indiana Pacers, 127–125.

Barnes led all scorers with 29 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and one block. RJ Barrett finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one block, and a steal. Siakam led the Pacers with 23 points, five rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and one block.

The club will now have eight days off till their next game. Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes will take part in the All-Star festivities in Indiana.