TORONTO (AP) – Fred VanVleet and the Raptors crowded around the Indiana Pacers for a long-awaited home win. …
TORONTO (AP) – Fred VanVleet and the Raptors crowded around the Indiana Pacers for a long-awaited home win.
VanVleet had a season high of 26 points and a career high of 10 rebounds, OG Anunoby hit a season high of 25 points and the Raptors won at home for the first time in 20 months, beating the Pacers 118-100 on Wednesday night.
“I thought we were definitely very physical tonight,” said VanVleet. “OG aggressively set the tone for the paintwork. I thought all five guys would be on the same side defensively to start the game. “
Indiana was the opponent the last time Toronto won at Scotiabank Arena, a 127-81 win on February 23, 2020. Raptors stars Serge Ibaka (15 rebounds) and Kyle Lowry (11 assists) were among the top statistics in Toronto game, the worst win in team history.
The Raptors lost their first three home games that season. In the three seasons leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto went 89-25 at home. Travel restrictions related to the pandemic forced the Raptors to play home games in Florida at the end of the 2019-20 season and throughout the 2020-21 season. They went 16-20 last season at their temporary home in Tampa.
On Wednesday, freshman striker Scottie Barnes had 18 points and seven assists, while fellow rookie Dalano Banton came off the bench with 10 points.
“I think it’s good to lay the foundation for a young team,” said VanVleet. “The team certainly looks different from many of the teams we’ve had here since I was here, but it’s good to just lay that foundation.”
VanVleet shot 6 for 7 from 3 point range and had six assists.
Banton made 4 out of 7 field goal attempts, including 2 out of 3 from beyond the arc, and added three assists.
“It’s hard to guard when he’s out there,” said VanVleet. “He was great for us tonight.”
Indiana’s Malcolm Brogdon scored 18 points in 22 minutes but injured his left hamstring muscle early in the third quarter and did not return. The Pacers also lost striker Isaiah Jackson in their fourth game to a left knee injury. Jackson needed help going to the locker room after his injury.
“I don’t know the severity or the description of what exactly happened,” said coach Rick Carlsisle of Jackson’s injury. “Of course it didn’t look good.”
Chris Duarte scored 14 points, Jeremy Lamb had 12 and Myles Turner had 10 for the Pacers, who are 0-3 on the road.
Indiana rode away last season with 21-15, the Eastern Conference’s best road record.
Domantas Sabonis had nine points and eight rebounds but four of the Pacers’ 23 turnovers. The Raptors scored 31 points after Indiana mistakes.
“They have quick, edgy types,” Carlisle said of the Raptors. “You tore at the ball all night and hit a lot of balls. Give them credit, they did well. “
Toronto led 57-48 at halftime. VanVleet made all three of his 3-point attempts in the third quarter and Banton scored seven points when the Raptors took an 87-71 lead in the fourth quarter.
Anunoby had 16 points in the first quarter.
TIP-INS
Pacers: Indiana has scored at least 100 points in all four games so far. … G Caris LeVert (sore lower back) missed his fifth game in a row. … Indiana had won its last two meetings with Toronto. … TJ McConnell had four turnovers.
Raptors: Toronto’s 14 3-pointers were a season high. … F Yuta Watanabe (left calf) is training with Toronto’s G-League team this week and is expected to join the Raptors on her upcoming trip. … VanVleet set career highlights in assists (17) and sales (8) in their home defeat against Chicago on Monday.
ON THE LEVEL
VanVleet, listed at 6 feet, said he didn’t expect to compete for rebounds with bigger players.
“My rule is if it gets under your head, it’s mine,” he said. “Everything up there on the edge, someone else has to get that.”
WATCH OUT
The Raptors hit a season low with 12 sales. Toronto also had 12 in their loss to Dallas last Saturday.
NEXT
Pacers: Visit Brooklyn on Friday night.
Raptors: hosted Orlando on Friday night.
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