Post Game Report Card: DeRozan and Raptors battle back to win Game 5 against Pacers

By Bryan Meler

Posted on April 26, 2016

of the Toronto Raptors against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 17, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. — Credit: Getty Images

The Toronto Raptors came back to beat the Indiana Pacers 102-99, after being down by 13 points to start the 4th quarter.

DeMar DeRozan led the Raptors with a new career playoff high of 34 points, helping the Raptors overcome the 39 points that were scored by Paul George. The most important baskets by DeRozan were at the 13.8 second mark of the 4th, when he hit 2 free throws to seal the deal.

The Raptors played great team defence to end the game, limiting the Pacers to 4-15 shooting in the final 12 minutes. They were also able to capitalize on the offensive end, outscoring the Pacers 25-9 to lock up Game 5.

Offence: A-

The Raptors offence started off poorly, by giving up 4 turnovers in the opening 3 minutes of the game. They would correct their mistakes quickly, only giving up 3 turnovers the rest of the way. The Raptors didn’t have a great shooting night, only converting on 40.2 per cent of their field goal attempts, making it important they executed their plays.

DeRozan had his first big game of the playoffs, scoring 34 points on 10-22 FG and 12-13 FT. He was the only scorer in double-digits at the end of the first half, but would be joined by Jonas Valanciunas (11), Kyle Lowry (14), Norman Powell (10) and Bismack Biyombo (10) by the end of the game.

Big dunk from Biyombo pic.twitter.com/DoqseAkJ62

— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) April 27, 2016

The offence was fuelled by many lopsided runs, the most important coming to start the 4th quarter when they outscored the Pacers 19-2. The biggest problem for the Raptors was their 3-point shooting, going 6-26 (23%) from distance.

Defence: A-

The Raptors played their best defence when it truly mattered, which was when they locked down Paul George in the 4th quarter, only allowing him to score 2 of his 39 points. Before that, George looked unstoppable by going 10-16 from the field in the first three quarters.

PG with some serious hang time on TNT! 29 points in the game! #NBARapidReplay #RAPTORSvPACERS https://t.co/aqScuB2i6v

— NBA (@NBA) April 26, 2016

The Raptors struggled early in the game, allowing the Pacers ball movement to pick up 17 assists on 22 made field goals. Because of that, the Pacers were able to convert on 11-17 of their 3-pointers, helping them go up by 9 points at the half.

Valanciunas finished the game with 2 blocks, while Biyombo provided his fair share by finishing with a plus/minus of +10. Powell and Lowry played some of their best defence around the perimeter, combining for 3 steals, including this one to tie the game.

Toronto has tied it all up! https://t.co/ICHa9QTFkm

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 27, 2016

Rebounding: B

Both teams grabbed 41 rebounds tonight, but the Raptors made the Pacers pay on the offensive glass by winning that matchup 12-8.

Valanciunas finished the game with 5 rebounds, 3 of them coming on offence. Biyombo led both teams with 16 rebounds, 4 of them coming from his hustle for second chance opportunities.

George and Myles Turner both finished with 8 boards each, joining George’s 8 assists and Turner’s 3 blocks.

Game Ball: DeMar DeRozan

DeRozan had a career playoff high with 34 points, proving all the doubters that didn’t believe he could compete in the playoffs.

After shooting 29.6 per cent from the field in the first four games of the series, DeRozan started to find his comfort zone by getting to the rim, and then by eventually hitting his first 3-pointer of the playoffs. DeRozan was great at keeping the Raptors momentum going, especially after George started to make some incredible shots.