The Toronto Raptors opened the second half of their NBA season with a gritty victory, overcoming significant roster absences to defeat the Indiana Pacers 115-101 on Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Raptors Battle Through Adversity
Toronto faced the challenge without three starters and a rotational player. Jakob Poeltl (back) and Immanuel Quickley (back) were unavailable, while Sandro Mamukelashvili was sidelined by illness. This left the team's margin for error razor-thin against an Indiana squad that had won three straight after a franchise-record 13-game losing skid.
Despite being shorthanded, the Raptors possessed the two best players on the court in Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Ingram was unstoppable in the half-court offense, finishing with a game-high 30 points. Barnes excelled as a playmaker, facilitating the offense in Quickley's absence.
Key Performances Seal the Win
Second-year wing Gradey Dick delivered one of his best performances of the season, recording his first career double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. His energy and confidence were pivotal. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles also posted a double-double while starting at centre.
The Pacers, a shell of the team that reached the NBA Finals last season, mounted a serious fourth-quarter comeback. Employing a zone defense to exploit Toronto's perimeter shooting struggles, Indiana cut the lead to four points. Ingram and rookie Jamal Shead responded with clutch three-pointers to halt the surge and secure the win.
Injury Concerns and Looking Ahead
The victory came with a cost. Forward Jamison Battle, who made a rare start and took a key charge from former Raptor Pascal Siakam, sprained his right ankle five minutes into the third quarter and did not return. This left Toronto with just nine available players.
The Raptors' rebounding and three-point shooting, persistent issues this season, were again areas of concern. However, they exploited an Indiana team that ranks even lower in rebounding proficiency.
Toronto now returns home for a brief stay, hosting the LA Clippers on Friday before embarking on a five-game Western Conference road trip, beginning with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.
