The Pacers couldn’t overreact to a Game 1 victory Saturday night, as they know what the Toronto Raptors are capable of. Back in front of a rowdy fan base of 19,800, the Raptors, looking like the 56-win team that they are, took the lead in the early minutes and it remains theirs throughout in a 98-87 Game 2 win.
[Boxscore]
The best-of-seven series is now all even at one game apiece.
How it happened: The Raptors jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first period as the Pacers shot poorly (26 percent) and managed just 16 points. It was Raptors starting center Jonas Valanciunas who controlled the game in the first half. He had a postseason career-high 19 points, plus 10 rebounds in less than 17 minutes of action before the half. (He finished with 23 & 15). The Pacers, who then doubled their first-quarter output in the second, used 15-2 late run to head into the locker room only down by five, 53-48.
The Pacers trimmed its deficit to four in the third, 65-59 with less 3:18 left in the quarter. But just as the Pacers answered down by 18 in the first half, the Raptors, who shot 43.8 percent for the game, responded well. Paul George scored 11 of his 28 points in the third but didn’t get much help. Three teammates contributed all of seven points in the quarter.
Only one other Pacer reached double figures in the game: Monta Ellis (15 points).
[George needs help, Pacers need to minimize Valanciunas’ impact.]
The Raptors won three of the four quarters and outscored the Pacers by six points in the second half en route to the franchise’s first double-digit win playoff win since April 24, 2008 against Orlando.
What it means: The Pacers didn’t win both wins but they got what they desired on this road trip, at least one win to take home-court advantage in what is now essentially a best-of-five series.
Turning point: After Rodney Stuckey drilled a 3-pointer to draw the Pacers to within seven points early fourth quarter, the Raptors scored 13 of the game’s next 15 points. Pacers coach Frank Vogel waved the white flag, down by 18 with 3:16, and sent in reserves to finish the game.
Star of the game: Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry was just 4-of-13 from the field, but he made all 10 of his free throw attempts and finished with 18 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. He played well defensively and his intensity level was high.
Streaking: Well, not exactly. After losing their previous seven playoff games, the Raptors earned their first postseason win since 2014.
Stat(s) of note: Valanciunas (23 & 15) outplayed Indiana’s three bigs — Ian Mahinmi, Myles Turner, and Lavoy Allen — (15 & 11) by himself.
Injuries of concern: Pacers centers Ian Mahinmi and Myles Turner both dealt with lower back soreness. Turner landed hard on his tailbone in the second quarter, got up slowly, and went back to the locker room. Turner returned, Mahinmi did not.
What’s next: The series moves to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. There are two days between games, with the series picking back up Thursday at 7:30 pm ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. It is a gold-out so every fan in attendance will receive a gold t-shirt. [Click here for the full schedule]