Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll, right, and Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) go for a loose ball during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA first-round playoff basketball series in Indianapolis, Thursday, April 21, 2016. The Raptors lead the series 2-1 and a win would give them two chances at home – and one on the road – to close out a seven-game series for the first time in franchise history.
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The Indiana Pacers center came through with the game of his professional life in a win on Saturday afternoon, leading the Pacers to a 100-83 Game 4 win over the Toronto Raptors. Joseph and Patterson combined to averaged just 15.3 points per game, but were two of the league’s best reserves in regard to the lift they provided to their team. It obviously affected the Pacers’ best player, who made just 6-of-19 shots including 1-of-8 3-pointers.
The Pacers projected starters are George Hill, Monta Ellis, Paul George, Lavoy Allen and Ian Mahinmi. There were small pockets around the arena, but they were a vocal bunch, chanting “Let’s Go Raptors!” as the final seconds ticked down the game.
Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-87 on Friday night to take a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference first-round series. They probably couldn’t play this badly again if they tried.
Mahinmi played just 17 minutes in the series opener, 22 minutes in Game Two and 24 minutes in Game Three. Turnovers also proved costly as the Raptors turned the ball over 19 times.
The Oklahoma City star, who played one season for the Texas Longhorns about 200 miles from the Dallas area, weathered a rough end to the first half.
The message sunk in so much that George, the best player through the first three games, wasn’t the Pacers’ high scorer Saturday.
“It was just a great all-around performance”, said Pacers coach Frank Vogel.
“I didn’t get him (intentionally)”, Valanciunas said. Hill had 22 points and no turnovers.
Myles Turner started the second half of Thursday’s loss to the Raptors and didn’t disappoint, scoring 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting with eight rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 31 minutes. They took a 57-42 lead into halftime. Jonas Valanciunas has started off hot in the first two games but in got him to get into early foul trouble, and in will look to do that early in game four as well.
Good things have typically happened over the course of the season when the Pacers play aggressively and tonight was no exception. “Once we get our rhythm it’s going to be scary”. The Raptors went 8-for-30 from 3-point range and missed nine uncontested triples, according to ESPN Stats & Information data.
“The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana’s last 6 games when playing Toronto”.
“Hopefully, as a group, we respond pissed-off”, George said.
It didn’t pan out in Game 4, as the Pacers always had a response whenever Toronto made a run, but it is an indication Toronto will be ready for Tuesday’s Game 5.
George admitted he must be better about posting up Carroll and forcing double teams so he can pass to open teammates.
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This one was all too familiar for the Pacers. We’ve just got to stay within ourselves.
