Point guard Russell Westbrook had 26 points and 15 assists in Game 3 and is averaging 23 points and 10.7 assists in the series.
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Toronto’s All-Star backcourt showed signs of life and the Raptors will again count on the duo when they visit the Indiana Pacers in Saturday’s Game 4 of the first-round series. Carroll shot 4-for-9 from the floor, with all four of his makes coming from deep as he contributed half of Toronto’s 3-pointers in the game. Those opportunities in the first quarter of Game 4 on Saturday were particularly critical in allowing the Pacers to take control of the game.
It’s a rather easy interpretation, but everything that was working for Toronto in Games 2 and 3 stopped in Game 4 and that is why we have a best-of-three series.
George’s point production has decreased with every game after having 33 in the Pacers’ series-opening win. The Raptors never got closer than 11 in the second half of game four.
Headband no more: C.J. Miles, who sported a headband for the final month of the season, ditched it for tonight’s game and scored his first points in two games – including a tip-in to beat the buzzer at the end of the third frame.
IN found the passion and energy it was missing Thursday, defended aggressively and won the rebounding battle for the first time in the best-of-seven series. And they were more aggressive on the glass, too.
“We didn’t come out with the right disposition in a game where [the Pacers’] backs were against the wall”, Raptors coach Dwane Casey said, trying to take the heat off of his players. If he continues as he started in game one, it could well compromise his ability to get a max offer, whether it be from Toronto, Los Angeles or whoever. They went a combined 8-for-27 from the field – including 0-for-7 from 3-point range. With rebounding still an issue, look for Toronto to get the win on the road once again. But Bismack Biymobo missed both free throws and the Raptors threw it away on the ensuing possession.
Mahinmi also had 10 rebounds and five assists, both playoff career highs, to go with his career-best point total.
The game was marred by a scuffle midway through the fourth quarter.
Following a Mahinmi dunk, George, Hill, and shooting guard Monta Ellis all knocked down treys, extending the Pacers advantage to 28-14. George responded with words and then Carroll ran into the gathering crowd.
But worst of all was a disturbing trend that’s been on display for the entire 2016 NBA Playoffs, one that’s arguably been an ongoing theme for three years in a row: Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan absolutely stink the joint up once the postseason rolls around. Valanciunas averaged a league-high 16.0 rebounds over the first three games but was held to six Saturday….
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The Pacers ranked 23rd in offensive efficiency in the regular season and over the last three games of their first round series with the Toronto Raptors, they’ve shot 49 percent in the first 12 seconds of the shot clock and 30 percent in the last 12 seconds. Ibaka had 16 points on 7-on-11 shooting, Steven Adams added 14 while going 5 of 7 and Dion Waiters had 12 on 4-of-5 shooting. He replaced veteran Lavoy Allen in the lineup…. The important thing for IN, and IN another way for Toronto, is that he did it once.
