The Toronto Raptors won their second game in a row as they defeated the Indiana Pacers 122-111.
Scottie Barnes new career-high
Barnes’ return has revitalized the Raptors. The Raptors look much sharper offensively and defensively they are more locked in. Barnes had an incredible night against the Pacers scoring a career-high 35 points to go with 9 assists and 5 rebounds. When the Pacers were mounting a comeback late in the third, Barnes responded. He beat his former teammate Pascal Siakam off the dribble and finished through contact to put the Raptors up 15. After the finish, Barnes smiled at Siakam and flexed right in front of him. Barnes relentlessly attacked Siakam all night and put him in tough spots. Eventually, Siakam got hit with a technical foul and fouled out. With how well Barnes has been playing, it’s hard to imagine the Raptors suffering another bad stretch with him healthy.
RJ Barrett with another great performance
Barrett continued his domination at home with another solid performance. He feasted for 29 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Barrett was aggressive getting to the free throw line and did a great job hitting his free throws going 9-for-12 from the charity stripe. Barrett and Barnes have complimented each other well. They combined for 64 points and 15 assists in this game. “It’s looking good isn’t it?” Barrett said postgame on the chemistry between him and Barnes. There’s a dynamic duo brewing in Toronto.
Raptors too good to tank
Things started ugly for the Raptors and the injuries piled up, but this team has shown signs of life as of late. Primarily fueled by Barnes returning, the Raptors have been very competitive and they are starting to secure wins. However, this one nearly got away from them as was the case against the Miami Heat on Sunday. The Raptors 24-point third quarter lead nearly evaporated, but the Raptors did enough late to capture the win. The Raptors are 6-4 at home this season and they are 5-6 in games with Barnes healthy. They have won 3 of their last 4 games and are 5-3 in their last 8. As things stand right now the Raptors are closer to a playoff spot than the worst record in the NBA. With the Raptors building momentum and getting healthier this team might be destined for a play-in spot.
Next on tap
The Raptors have a tough challenge ahead of them when they host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 5.
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