The Indiana Pacers used a monstrous second half to extend their season one more game. Facing elimination in game six, the Pacers gutted out a huge 101-83 win at home to set up a win-or-go-home scenario for both teams.
The Raptors started the game out on fire, getting an 18-6 lead. But the Pacers defense reared its head to create an ugly affair in the first half, with both teams shooting under 40% from the field. The Raptors’ all-star back-court continued to struggle with Kyle Lowry shooting 2-9 (though he contributed eight assists) and DeMar DeRozan being held to only four points on 1-4 shooting.
The Pacers turned it on in the second half, starting with a quick run to gain the lead and never give it back. Although turnovers and giving up offensive rebounds allowed the Raptors to stay in the game, with big performances from Cory Joseph and Norman Powell off the bench, the Pacers were able to hold on, getting a seven point lead at the third quarter.
The Pacers did not take their feet off the pedal in the fourth quarter, with a 12-0 run to start the quarter as part of an extended 18-0 run effectively ending Toronto’s chances at a comeback.
The Pacers benefited by a combination of bench play (especially with Rodney Stuckey hitting shots) and impactful play on both ends of the floor from rookie Myles Turner. Even with Paul George having a poor shooting night (by his standards), the Pacers got enough scoring from auxiliary pieces, in addition to their stellar defense, to take a huge lead and get the big win.
George finished 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists on 5-14 shooting but did manage to get to the free throw line ten times and make every shot. Turner, meanwhile, showed his role even as a youngster by putting up 15 points on 6-11 shooting while adding nine rebounds and four blocks to his statline.
Game seven between the two squads will be on Sunday in Toronto, though an official time has not yet been announced.
