Barbosa leads Raps to 108-98 victory

TORONTO,ON–The Raptors took an early lead and never looked back in an easy 108-98 win at home against the Indiana Pacers. It was an odd game for the Raptors offense, an offense that was clicking on all cylinders, but an offense that was not led by the usual suspects. 

Derozan was quiet for much of the game despite a solid shooting percentage (54%). The second year Raptors star was able to score key baskets late in the game and finished with a respectable 16 points.  Andrea Bargnani, who missed the last game due to illness, was clearly not over his flu and looked slow and lethargic.  Bargs’ shot was off all night as he ended with 8 points from an abysmal 1-13 shooting. 

Instead, on a night when the Raptors scored 108 points, a dominant Leandro Barbosa led the Raptors offense.  Barbosa had his best game of the season, scoring early and scoring often.  At one point early in the second quarter, Barbosa put up 18 points while only playing 10 minutes.   Barbosa finished with a season high 29 points from 12-21 shooting.  James Johnson also played his best game with the Raptors thus far.  Johnson was very active and did all the little things on the court.  A perfect night (6-6) from the field gave Johnson 13 points, while he hustled on every play while amassing 4 rebounds 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.  Reggie Evans looked in midseason form grabbing 16 rebounds.  Reggie did not have any shot attempts, but gave the Raptors several second chance opportunities on the offensive boards, and dominated the defensive glass all night. 

Indiana played well in spurts but was never consistent with their offense.  They made a late push in the fourth, but were not able to dig themselves out of an early double-digit deficit. The Pacers were led by a 25-point effort from Danny Granger. Granger was coming of a 2-19 shooting display in his last game, and shot 7-17 from the field tonight. University of North Carolina Alumni were out in full force as ex teammates Ed Davis and Tyler Hansborough both contributed well for their respective teams.  Davis had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds in his second straight game starting for the Raps. Hansborough scored 20 points and added seven rebounds. 

The Raptors improve to 18-47 and host the Charlotte Bobcats on Sunday afternoon.

 

 

Game Notes: Amir Johnson was not in uniform tonight after an ankle sprain that was sustained on Wednesday’s game against Utah.  The Raptors are a little banged up as Bargnani was still battling the flu, while Calderon wore a leg brace against Indiana.  Calderon had been kicked in practice and was wearing the brace for support.  

Photo Courtesy: Yahoo Sports