The Raptors’ Game 1 loss could largely be attributed to the total disappearances of All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, who shot 5-for-19 and 3-for-13 from the floor, respectively, while going a combined 1-for-10 from three-point range and 8-for-15 from the free throw line. Toronto needs to turn that around, though, Coach Dwane Casey thinks it was an abomination that won’t occur again.
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DeRozan sat all of Q4, as did fellow starters DeMarre Carroll and Luis Scola. He had eight assists before the break (nine for the game), and even that understates his impact on the game.
Just how good was his defense, you ask?
We return to remind you that the Pacers have suggested through two games that they can compete with the Raptors.
The Raptors were able to level the series at 1-1 with a hard-fought 98-87 win over the Pacers in Game 2 thanks to a big night from Jonas Valanciunas who dominated with 23 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks after scoring just 12 points before fouling out in Game 1.
The big man led the way for the Raptors offensively and on the boards.
Rumors and speculations are circulating that Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan will be headed to a Los Angeles team in his upcoming free agency. That snapped their postseason losing streak at seven games and evened the series 1-1.
Ross was held out of the second half for precautionary reasons after being knocked down during an inbounds play late in the second quarter.
Paul George (right) plays for the Indiana Pacers. He did some things, but aside from the second quarter was unable to establish any real rhythm.
Eighty-two regular-season games, two playoff games, we still don’t know who the Pacers are, and I’m not entirely sure the Pacers know who the Pacers are.
DeRozan was nearly off from his best for a major part of the match.
The third quarter saw the beginnings of a shift in tone, sort of. While Lowry made his mark by attacking downhill against Indiana’s P&R scheme, DeRozan more often appeared tentative on his way to a 5-for-18 night. “But it’s all about playing hard, especially on the defensive end”, DeRozan said.
How exactly has George been so effective stifling DeRozan? For Casey, that was enough. Not one. Nor did Carroll. This unit (and variations of it) have proven reliable all season, and Monday night was no exception. He was falling on the floor and diving for balls in the fourth quarter. Whether Toronto decides to pony up the cash and bring DeRozan back will be one of the most intriguing storylines this summer. Also, the Raptors’ defense will pay more attention to Hill when he has the ball, which could open up even more opportunities for his teammates. More importantly, this helped the Pacers increase the speed of the game. The Raptors are 14-2 when Valanciunas has at least 17 points. “If DeMar is a facilitator and he’s making plays for other people, then I think yes. but he has to be a facilitator”.
What George has done – what he’s trying to do – has Kyle Lowry sounding awe-struck. Neither was particularly sharp in this one, either, with Lowry making four of 13 and DeRozan making five of 18. Valanciunas is an example of the bounce back shooting, he struggled in game one shooting only 29% but shot a strong 56% in game two-averaging 17.0 points and 17.5 rebounds through the two games.
While the Pacers lack a legit big guy, Toronto does not.
The team is trusting him and he’s responding well.
In the 2013-14 season, George was a 23-year-old on his way to the top, averaging 21.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He’s not a good passer, only 42 assists on the season, and the Raptors haven’t hurt the Pacers from deep yet this series to make this option unpalatable.
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Despite falling behind by 18 points in the first half, the Pacers did a solid job of keeping the action close early in the second half. This is what most fans expected this series to be like. “I thought our focus was lost and we gave up some plays that we shouldn’t have”. Let the offense come to you.
