Mar 1, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward-guard Alan Anderson (6) and forward Rudy Gay (22) defend against Indiana Pacers guard Orlando Johnson (11) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The first quarter was rugged to say the least, as the Raptors put up just 13 points. In fairness, the Pacers scored only 17, and we expected a defensive battle from the outset. Rudy Gay travelled about 23 times, and the bench crew had apparently come to the conclusion that the best way to bounce back from a horrific Wednesday showing was to chuck up a bunch of long, contested two’s. Alan Anderson somehow managed to rack up 3 personal fouls in 4 minutes.

The second quarter was slightly better, as it saw the Raps break the 20-point barrier. Andrea Bargnani actually hit a jumper which was a welcome sight, and he also got a pair of free throws, so hopefully that’ll help nurse his shot back to relevance.

In the third, the Pacers got a few lucky breaks as the game opened up. With Amir Johnson out due to foul trouble, Roy Hibbert went to work and the Pacers put up 25. In the fourth, Paul George hit three of four from distance and Dwane Casey threw in the towel about halfway through. Rudy Gay did have 6 straight points, but he came down hard on one play and hurt his lower back, so he sat out the rest.

Three Stars

1. Rudy Gay. In a game where buckets were at a premium, Rudy dropped 21 in 32 minutes, shooting decently as well (7-of-16, 7-of-7 on free throws). The only other Raptors to break 10 points were Alan Anderson and John Lucas, and most of their points were in garbage time. Rudy’s shot is great cause he gets so much elevation, although sometimes I feel like that hurts his shot, because gravity throws it out of control. Anyway, that thought is for another blog.

2. I’m giving this to Andrea Bargnani, because he looked alive today. When he fakes the three and steps in for a 17-footer, it’s impossible to guard and his percentages aren’t that bad. The problem is that when he’s rattled, the pump fake will likely result in a travel or a steal, so he’ll stay put and chuck up a three. Andrea was also (kind of?) active on the defensive end. Ok, well I remember he had one huge block on David West.

3. The Indiana Pacers. This team has been my dark horse pick to win the championship for a while now, and I stand by that assessment. I love Paul George as a player because he’s a shutdown defender against powerful small forwards (I’m thinking of one particularly talented small forward in the East…), and his shot is sauce. David West is also a great player to have on your team because he does so many things right. Both West and George are excellent ball movers, so the rest of the squad won’t go stale like the Heat bench often does (which is ok for the Heat because they have Lebron James and he’s pretty good).

Three Flops

1. DeMar DeRozan. He had an off-night and was woefully inefficient (even from the line), but those games happen I suppose.

2. Amir Johnson. He fouled pretty much anything that moved, although in fairness this was a rough, physical game. 2 points and 3 boards won’t cut it for his fantasy owners, though.

3. Tyler Hansbrough, because he’s a hack. There was no revenge ploy from Jonas Valanciunas tonight for Hansbrough’s ridiculous roughhousing last time these two teams met, but JV did grab 9 boards on the night, and I’m generally happy with the way he’s playing these days.

The Raptors are in action tomorrow against the Milwaukee Bucks, in what is realistically their last chance at making a playoff push.

Feb 26 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) reacts to Paul George (24) grabbing a rebound against the Golden State Warriors at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Golden State 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Pacers’ starting five doesn’t dazzle you with science or stats, but can beat you anyway. George Hill, their small-ish point guard, has blossomed since arriving in Indianapolis two seasons ago. His first three were in the NBA’s best incubator, San Antonio, so he knows how to play. He takes good shots, involves his teammates, and doesn’t turn the ball over. Lance Stephenson has pushed his way into a starter’s role for similar reasons to his backcourt mate Hill. Lance is a little undersized and won’t make any highlight reels, but doesn’t dribble into trouble, force shots or take silly fouls.

The frontcourt of Indiana is top shelf material. Paul George, who might be Rudy Gay’s twin, was projected to be a star out of college, and that’s exactly what he is becoming. He’s spiked all his numbers upward this season: he’s added more than five points per game to average 17+, more than two additional rebounds to almost 8, and so on. The man is a load, and so is David West, the power forward. This fellow is a coach’s dream: a consistent scorer, rebounder and defender. We can’t leave the front line without taking note of Roy Hibbert, one of the biggest men in the league. While he’s not enjoying an All-Star season as many predicted he would, he’s physical, and he can score and change shots in the key.

The second unit of the Pacers includes Tyler Hansbrough, who’s a hockey enforcer in disguise. Danny Granger, who has been Indy’s “name” player for years, is working his way back into the lineup after missing his team’s first 55 games with a knee injury.

This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between these two teams; oddly enough, the visitors have won the first three, and all have been decided by two points. Let’s hope the Raps break both those trends with a 99-95 win.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.