RJ Barrett Shines as Raptors Triumph Over Pascal Siakam in His Return

The Raptors triumphed in a high-scoring game, led by standout performances from RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl.

On a Monday night in Toronto, two of the NBA’s weakest defenses, combined with numerous injuries, set the stage for an exciting clash between the Pacers and the Raptors. Both teams were primed for big scoring opportunities, making it an ideal matchup for some standout individual performances.

The first quarter was a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, with 61 points combined, and the Raptors holding a 4-point lead. A beautiful play designed by Darko Rajakovic opened the game for Toronto. The set featured a double staggered ball screen for Davion Mitchell, with Gradey Dick acting as an initial screener. Dick then set a veer screen for RJ Barrett, who ran a pick-and-roll with Jakob Poeltl, setting up a dunk. The Pacers struggled to stick with shooters and gave up six three-pointers in the opening period. Notably, Gradey Dick hit a three-pointer off a zone defense, and Barrett’s shooting form appeared to be back in rhythm.

RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl picking up right where they left off pic.twitter.com/6nAYCQlrUX

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) November 19, 2024

The Pacers responded quickly in the second quarter, pushing the pace and taking advantage of the Raptors’ aggressive offensive rebounding, which left them vulnerable in transition. The Pacers briefly grabbed a 41-40 lead, but a strong run by Dick and Poeltl, who teamed up for a 9-0 stretch, helped the Raptors regain control. Dick knocked down a corner three, Poeltl converted an offensive rebound into an and-one, and Dick followed up with another three-pointer. The Raptors also got an unexpected but valuable contribution from Garrett Temple, who provided a +15 shift with a triple and solid defense, helping them take a 12-point lead into halftime.

Defensive struggles persisted for Indiana in the third quarter, where they struggled to stop the pick-and-roll. Poeltl was dominant, tallying 24 points and 12 rebounds midway through the third, while Barrett continued to generate offense. The Pacers cut the Raptors’ lead down to 14 by the start of the fourth quarter, but they weren’t finished. They pressed hard in the final frame, slicing the deficit to just seven points as the Raptors missed shots and committed turnovers. However, Barrett responded with key plays, including a cut to the basket for a free-throw opportunity and a euro-step finish after a well-executed ‘Spain Leak’ play. His timely baskets pushed the lead back up to 12.

Barrett was the key player for the Raptors throughout the night, always in the right place at the right time. Whether it was a quick drive, a turnaround jumper, or a step-back three, he carried the team offensively, scoring and creating for others. In the end, Barrett finished with 39 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Raptors to a well-deserved win. Poeltl also contributed 30 points and 15 rebounds. The Pacers had solid performances from Pascal Siakam (25-10-5) and Bennedict Mathurin (28 points), but Tyrese Haliburton struggled with his shooting, contributing to another tough loss for Indiana.

Despite missing key players, the Raptors managed to find star performances, securing a crucial win. A great game from both teams.

Have a blessed day.

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