What a way to begin 2014. To ring in the new year, the Toronto Raptors, fresh off of a gritty win in Chicago last night, hosted the 25-5 Indiana Pacers at the ACC— and not only did they play their hearts out, but they won against the Eastern Conference’s best team. In a game that presented the opportunity to measure where the team stands in comparison to a proven title contender, the Raptors managed grind their way to a 95-82 victory; moving to a .500 record in the process. Needless to say, this was arguably the most enjoyable game of the season thus far— and it was at home!
Offense: B+
As Jack Armstrong mentioned several times during tonight’s game, playing against Indiana is comparable to a 15 round fight. Though the Raps started this one well with one of their best first quarters of the entire season, the final result of this game was mostly dictated by how Toronto countered Indiana’s punches. Saying that the offense was perfect tonight is a definite reach, however, it was just enough to get the job done against a great opponent. They turned the ball over 17 times, they shot only 43.6% as a team, but they somehow escaped the New Year’s Day matchup with a W.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Toronto Raptors with a game high 26 points (albeit on 24 shot attempts). Despite the slashing swingman’s shooting woes, the ball wasn’t sticking to the point the other four Raptor players on the floor were simply standing around. Fortunately, DeRozan had some help from his teammates. His wing partner Terrence Ross was on tonight. Ross put up 18 points of his own on an efficient 6 for 12 from the field, with 2 of his 5 three point attempts going down. Not half bad, if you ask me. In moments when it seemed like the Pacers were ready to pull away with the game, Ross, believe it or not, was making plays on the offensive end to keep his team afloat.
While we’re on the subject of sophomores having solid games against top-level competition, how about Jonas Valanciunas tonight? The second year big man went 5 of 10 from the field against Indiana’s intimidating frontline in 31 minutes of floor time. Also, he wasn’t the recipient of debatable foul calls as he has been numerous times in the past. Roy Hibbert being in foul trouble for a good portion of the game did ease things for JV on the inside, but the center’s effort in this one should still be commended.
The offensive component of this report card wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kyle Lowry‘s play tonight. The Raptor point guard continued his stellar play of late, netting himself 13 points and 14 of Toronto’s season-high 27 assists on the game. Timely shots? Check. Directing traffic? Check. Taking care of the ball? Check. Not much to nitpick from Lowry’s game tonight. If he keep this up, he could find an all-star reserve spot in February. Seriously.
Defense: A+
Kyle Lowry, I’m not done with you yet. I propose that a drinking game centered around Lowry’s charge taking abilities be invented. All jokes aside, Kyle Lowry was taking charging fouls like it was going out of style; and this proved to be huge when it came to slowing down the Pacers offensive attack. Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan were chipping in the defensive end too— coming away with three steals apiece, matching up with guys like Lance Stephenson, Danny Granger, and the ever-improving Paul George. The Raptors made everything difficult for George, forcing him to give one of his poorer performances this season; posting only 12 points on the night, going along with six turnovers. Yikes.
Since we’re talking defense here, Tyler Hansbrough‘s name needs to be brought up too. Which is funny because I (having watched Psycho T since college), and I’m assuming other Raptor fans just found out that his first name is actually Andrew. Look it up.
But anyways, the former Indiana Pacer was a workhorse tonight, protecting the paint and limiting opportunities for his former teammates. Against an inside-out team like Indiana, slowing down the production of their players who make a living in the post is of the utmost importance. Mission accomplished.
Rebounding: A-
Toronto won the battle of the boards tonight, 39-36. Though the rebounding numbers may not jump out of the box score like some other statistics, the fact that the Indiana Pacers were held under 40 boards is quite remarkable to me. If someone had told me ahead of the game that Hibbert and David West would only combine for 10 rebounds tonight, I’d probably call that person crazy. Somehow, this actually happened. To makes matters a bit crazier, DeRozan pulled down nine rebounds, tying Valanciunas for the game high in the win. The effort on the glass was key in getting the Toronto Raptors their fourth consecutive win (and ninth since making the trade), and the fans definitely appreciated it. For the first time in a while, spectators at the ACC roared “Let’s Go Raptors!” chants as the team battled their way to their 15th win of the season. Home-court advantage felt quite real tonight, and it seemed like it gave the Raptors the push they needed to make the energy plays. This may not be what members of #TankNation wanted going into tonight’s matchup.
Game Ball – Kyle Lowry / Terrence Ross
This was probably the most difficult game ball to give to one player all season, so I just couldn’t do it. Lowry and Ross will have to share tonight’s prized Raptors Cage accolade. In short, Lowry continued his now one month long all-star campaign with his impeccable leadership. Ross continued to make bigger contributions to the team than he has in the past. From taking his jumpshots in rhythm to being active on defense against elite competition, T-Ross didn’t take plays off.
Toronto has beat the best team in the West and the best team in the East in the last 11 days.
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) January 2, 2014
The Raptors are developing somewhat of a positive spotlight from people around the Association, they have a 15-15 record, and Dwane Casey isn’t making as many errors as he did earlier in the season. It looks he’s improved since the Rudy Gay trade too. Amazing. Let the good times roll. Happy 2014, folks.
1 thought on “Post Game Report Card: Raptors Win Statement Game Against Pacers”
Every Raptors fan needs to watch this. Shows the brotherhood of this team and the mutual love between the players and the city. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=V2h6_-YY3Ck#t=647