The Toronto Raptors snapped their 7-game losing streak with a 130-119 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Jakob Poeltl on a tear
Poeltl is on an incredible run right now. The center is having a career year as he posted another stat stuffing performance. He dropped 30 points on 72 percent shooting from the field, while grabbing 15 rebounds. Poeltl has been a monster on the glass. He continues to torch opposing defenses inside with his soft touch and smooth hook shots. He’s been a passing hub and has been thriving playing alongside Gradey Dick and RJ Barrett. He also also been a great rim protector. Poeltl is averaging 30.0 points and 15.3 rebounds on 71.9 percent shooting from the field in his last three games. He is the first NBA player to have a 3-game span with 90+ points, 20+ offensive rebounds and 20+ defensive rebounds on 70 percent shooting shooting from the field since Shaquille O’Neal did it from Jan. 19-22, 1994 per OptaSTATS. Simply put, Poeltl has been playing at an elite level.
RJ Barrett leads the way
Barrett scored the most points he ever has in a Raptors uniform. He finished with 39 points on 61.9 percent shooting from the field, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The 39-point performance is the most points ever scored by a Canadian in a Raptors jersey. Montreal’s Chris Boucher set the previous record of 38 points in April. Over his last three games Barrett has averaged 28.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.0 assists on 41.2 percent shooting from deep. He has been the steady hand for the Raptors on offense as he continues to build great chemistry with Poeltl.
Raptors close it out
This was the first win for the Raptors in over two weeks. The Raptors were cruising for most of the game, but then the Pacers made things interesting in the fourth quarter getting it within single digits. But then Barrett went to work on consecutive possessions, pushing a nine-point Raptors lead to 13 after Toronto’s offense stalled early in the frame. When the Pacers responded, the Raptors went back to Barrett again. Barrett then hit a step-back shot over Obi Toppin to seal the win for the Raptors. There was not going to be a meltdown in the fourth quarter on this night thanks to Barrett.
Next on tap
The Raptors will have a few days off before they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 21.
The Timberwolves defeated the Raptors 112-101 on Oct. 26.
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