Key takeaways from the Toronto Raptors loss against the Pacers
By Nickeem Khan
The Toronto Raptors failed to extend their winning streak to three games, as they suffered a loss to the Indiana Pacers.
In the second night of a back-to-back, the Toronto Raptors were unable to scrape together enough effort to defeat the Indiana Pacers for the second consecutive game. Kyle Lowry made his return after a two-game absence, but the productive point guard wasn’t enough to push Toronto over the top.
Here are a few key takeaways from the Raptors loss on Monday night.
Toronto Raptors takeaways: The defense needs to be consistent
The Raptors were coming into Monday’s game fresh off a defensive clinic in which they held the Pacers to only 102 points. This time around, Indiana torched Toronto’s defense and scored 129 points. Although this performance could be chalked up to fatigue due to it being the second night of a back-to-back, that is no excuse for the lack of defensive intensity that the Raptors displayed.
On Sunday afternoon, the Raptors were able to hold Malcolm Brogdon to only 12 points on under 30 percent shooting from the field. It was clear that Brogdon wasn’t going to have another poor performance again, but the Raptors just seemed a step slow in containing Brogdon from the jump.
Brogdon finished with 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds while shooting 58 percent from the field. In addition to his efficient shooting, Brogdon was 13-14 from the free-throw line, which was more than half of the attempts the Raptors shot as a whole. There just seemed to be no answer for the former Rookie of the Year.
The Raptors’ inability to control Brogdon’s dribble was the biggest open wound Indiana kept rubbing salt in. Fatigue was a major contributor to Toronto’s issues, but that shouldn’t be used to justify giving up almost 130 points.
Toronto Raptors takeaways: 4th quarter offensive woes cost the Raptors
The Raptors have a really bad habit of going through scoring droughts on offense, which put Toronto in a horrible position to win the game last evening.
Going into the 4th quarter, the Raptors were only down one point after battling back from a 10 point halftime deficit. Toronto had momentum on their side, but it was evident that playing their second game of a back-to-back was taking a toll on the Raptors. There was no rhythm and flow to the offense whatsoever. Turnovers were detrimental to their efforts, and getting cold from the field was the final nail in the coffin.
Not having a bonafide go-to scorer has really proven to be an area of serious concern for Toronto. Fred VanVleet can only do so much at 6-feet tall, especially with Myles Turner, who averages over four blocks per game, looming around the interior.
Toronto had opportunities to score, but couldn’t capitalize on their chances. With each passing game, the struggles with late-game execution continue to get worse, and they need to be fixed in order to turn this ship around and push for playoff contention.
Toronto Raptors takeaways: Pacers bench outplayed Raptors in every facet
Not every team is the Brooklyn Nets, who can rely on their starting five to propel them to wins. The Raptors need their bench to perform at a high level in order to be successful. Monday’s game was a prime example of how quickly things can go south if the bench doesn’t produce on the offensive end.
The Raptors were outscored 54-32 in bench points, and it comes down to the bench simply being outworked by the Pacers. Indiana came into Monday’s game ready to play after losing a game they believe they should’ve won, and it was evident through the play of their bench.
Jeremy Lamb carried the scoring load for Indiana’s bench with 22 points on 58 percent shooting from the field. However, arguably the player with the biggest impact was TJ McConnell. His tenacity on defense and constant pressure allowed him to get under the skin of the Raptors’ guards.
Toronto simply needs more from their regular bench players. Chris Boucher and Stanley Johnson need to give you more than 13 points combined. Boucher is an integral piece for the Raptors offensively, and when his game isn’t at the level it typically is at, the Raptors will suffer the consequences. Nick Nurse and the Raptors will need to have short term memory, as they will be having their hands full on Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks.
