The Raptors have already been an incredible story this season. They added another wildly entertaining chapter Wednesday against the Pacers. (Via michaelgrange)
It’s a shame, because those paying attention have been rewarded by one of the most pleasing sports stories imaginable – a defending champion playing the part of plucky, overlooked underdog. Having lost Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green to free agency and then ranking fourth in the NBA in man-games lost to injury, it’s a minor basketball miracle that they own the NBA’s third-best record – ahead of Leonard’s Clippers, it’s worth mentioning.
The win showed the Raptors at their best as they proved again there is no situation that seems to overwhelm them. But if we’re being fair, their early showing against the Pacers emphasized a nagging concern about the Raptors’ performance this season: record aside, can they beat good teams?The Raptors are 29-2 against teams below .
After getting within three points with 5:05 to play on a Pascal Siakam back cut and dunk, Indiana appeared to put the game to bed with a 10-2 run sparked by a pair of triples, as it finished the night 19-of-39 from deep compared to the Raptors’ 12-of-32 mark. and his $17 million from Memphis. Bigger ticket items are even more problematic, particularly given that adding talent would also require subtracting some too.– who finished with 32 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists – the options to improve what is a very good team are limited.By Thursday afternoon, whatever uncertainty might exist will be behind them, and that will pay dividends too.
The early going didn’t betray any urgency from either team — the game was tied 9-9 midway through the first quarter. But the Raptors began showing their goods, and as has been the case so often this year it was the combination of Lowry and Ibaka that sparked them. They put up 10 quick points to give the Raptors their first advantage and helped Toronto to a 30-20 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raptors' Powell too good to use for salary matching in deadline deal - Sportsnet.caNorman Powell and Serge Ibaka have played so well that the Raptors will be hard pressed to find upgrades for them on the trade market. (michaelgrange)
Read more »
Report: Knicks part ways with president Mills, targeting Raptors' Ujiri - Sportsnet.caThe New York Knicks are parting ways with president Steve Mills and targeting Toronto Raptors' Masai Ujiri, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Read more »
Raptors' Marc Gasol likely to remain out until after all-star break - Sportsnet.caToronto Raptors centre Marc Gasol is not likely to return to game action before the NBA all-star break, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports.
Read more »
Knicks report a sign Ujiri’s time with Raptors could be winding down - Sportsnet.caUnlike past incarnations of what is now a four-year long conveyor belt of rumours connecting Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri to a mythical role with the New York Knicks, this time there's actually a job opening.
Read more »
Streaking Toronto Raptors eye franchise record vs. Indiana Pacers on TSN - TSN.caThe Toronto Raptors will be going for a franchise record of 12 consecutive victories Wednesday night when they host the Indiana Pacers. History appears to be on their side, as the Raptors have won 11 straight regular-season home games against the Pacers. Watch the game LIVE on TSN1, TSN4, TSN5 and TSN Direct at 7pm ET/4pm PT.
Read more »