Toronto, CA — RJ Barrett delivered a standout performance with a season-high 39 points, while Jakob Poeltl contributed a strong double-double with 30 points and 15 rebounds, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 130-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. This win snapped the Raptors’ seven-game losing streak.
Entering the game with the worst record in the NBA at 2-12, Toronto secured their first victory since an overtime win against Sacramento on November 2.
Barrett was particularly efficient, shooting 13-of-21 from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, and sinking 9-of-12 free throws. He also grabbed nine rebounds. Gradey Dick added 15 points, while both Ochai Agbaji and Davion Mitchell chipped in with 11 points each, ensuring all five Raptors starters reached double figures.
For the Pacers, Benedict Mathurin shone in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 of his 28 points during the final stretch. Pascal Siakam, facing his former team, contributed 25 points and 10 boards. Indiana suffered their third loss in four games, with Obi Toppin also making an impact by scoring 19 points, including nine in the fourth quarter. Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell added 16 and 10 points, respectively.
The Pacers were without center Myles Turner, who sat out due to a sore right calf. Turner had recently scored a season-high 34 points in a win over Miami.
Takeaways Of The Game:
Pacers: Haliburton had a tough night shooting, finishing 5-of-18 from the field and struggling from three-point range at 2-of-9, marking the fourth time in six games he has missed nine or more field goals.
Raptors: All of Toronto’s victories this season have come at home, as they remain winless on the road with an 0-8 record.
Key Moment Of The Game:
With 6:47 remaining in the fourth quarter, Mathurin’s layup narrowed the Raptors’ lead to 106-99. Following a timeout, Barrett responded by scoring three points, helping the Raptors ignite a 5-0 run to reestablish a double-digit lead.
Key Stat Of The Game:
Despite committing 23 turnovers that allowed Indiana to score 24 points, Toronto was able to secure the victory. The Raptors notably recorded 10 turnovers in the third quarter alone.
Up Next:
The Pacers will travel to Houston on Wednesday, while the Raptors will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday.
