The Indiana Pacers get another chance to end an opponent’s long winning streak Wednesday night when they visit the Toronto Raptors for an NBA Cup East Group A game.
The Pacers nearly derailed a red-hot opponent Monday when they made a late run before falling short in a 122-117 home loss to the Detroit Pistons, who extended their win streak to 13 games.
This time, the Pacers will be out to end a Raptors winning streak that reached eight games Monday with a 110-99 home victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Raptors, who have also won 12 of 13, already have clinched first in their NBA Cup group with a 3-0 record and have earned a place in the quarterfinals.
The Pacers are 0-2 in NBA Cup group play and have been eliminated from advancing. Indiana’s overall 2-15 start is their worst after 17 games in team history.
After trailing the Pistons 71-55 at halftime, the Pacers pulled to within five during the third quarter. But they fell behind by 18 with 9:20 left in the game, before rallying again to pull within two points twice in the final minute.
“The second half was terrific,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “The first half we didn’t play well. They played great. We had some controllable things that we didn’t do well. Second half we played with a lot more presence. The difference was obvious.”
The Pacers had seven players score in double figures led by 24 points from former Raptor Pascal Siakam.
“When you look at the second half, you know that we are capable of doing these things,” Siakam said. “I think that’s what makes it harder. Because it’s like why aren’t we doing it for four quarters? That consistency is what’s needed to win. We have to continue to aim for that.”
Siakam has a five-game streak of at least 22 points. His steady scoring will be needed against the Raptors, as well as the team defensive pressure that delivered 11 steals against the Pistons.
The Raptors defeated the Pacers 129-111 on Nov. 15 at Indianapolis.
They withstood Cleveland’s fourth-quarter rally that cut the lead to four points with 4:37 to play.
Brandon Ingram had the answer for any Cavaliers’ challenge and finished with a season-best 37 points.
“Everybody’s bought in,” Ingram said. “Everybody on the team is selfless. We just want to win. Whatever it takes. Nobody has an ego, on the floor, off the floor.”
The last time the Raptors won eight in a row was Jan. 29-Feb. 10, 2022.
“There’s nothing to enjoy,” said Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic. “There is the next game coming very, very quickly our way. You know, it’s good for confidence. It’s good for us to continue learning through those experiences, to figure out our chemistry. There is always work to do. We enjoy each other, we enjoy the journey, and it’s the most important thing. And thank God we’re getting wins as well.”
The Raptors played without RJ Barrett (knee) on Monday. The incident occurred when he landed awkwardly after a breakaway dunk in the third quarter on Sunday against the Nets.
Initial signs are that the injury is not going to be long-term although there is no timeline for a return.
“Looks promising,” Rajakovic said.
The visit by Indiana is the final game of Toronto’s four-game homestand.
–Field Level Media
