The Raptors have won a game again at Scotiabank Arena. After having spent a season playing in Tampa Bay and after falling in the first three games played in Toronto this season, the Canadian team has managed to win again in front of their fans, something they had not done since February 23, 2020 against the Indiana Pacers. Curiously, it was those of Indianapolis who have defeated again this time, this time by a 118-100 that allowed them to enjoy the victory with some comfort.
The great responsible for this was Fred VanVleet, who with 26 points signed his best performance so far this season and helped the Nurses to take the victory. The point guard was especially inspired from the triple, from where he signed a 6/7, including some spectacular actions such as the distant launch with which he ended the third quarter. In addition, he distributed 6 assists and captured 10 rebounds, the latter being his personal record in the NBA.
OG Anunoby, for his part, was the other great figure of the match thanks to his 25 goals but above all to his great defensive work. The forward was the great reference for the locals on that side of the court, and his 5 steals helped cut the wings of some lacking Pacers in attack.
“I think we played a very physical game,” said VanVleet. “OG has set the tone in defense, and I think the five men on the pitch have always been at the same level of work.”
On the other hand, the rookie Scottie Barnes continued to feel good with another fairly well-rounded performance. On this occasion, the power forward managed to add 18 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, once again demonstrating his versatility and abilities.
In the visitors, Malcolm Brogdon was the leading scorer with 18 goals despite having been able to play only 22 minutes. The point guard had to head to the locker room in the third quarter due to an injury to his left leg, which ended up sinking a Pacers who were having a lot of trouble punishing the Canadian defense. Men like Myles Turner or Domantas Sabonis barely managed to gain weight in their attack (the Lithuanian only shot four times to the basket), which left Carlisle’s men helpless and forced them to go against the current until the clash ended.
(Cover photo: Mark Blinch / Getty Images)