Toronto — Canadians down Canada’s Team on Canada Basketball Night 118-114
The Raptors may have felt like they were playing a road game. When the Pacers rolled into town for their matchup against the only NBA team in Canada they had a plan. Starting three Canadian-born players Mathurin, Nembhard and Oshae Brissett had the crowd at odds with themselves. The sons of Canada didn’t disappoint. The brightest of the northern stars was Nembhard from Aurora, Ontario who had a great 25 points 10 assist night.
The Pacers took an early 10 point lead to end the first quarter. The night did get better as the Raptors would make their runs throughout and keep in close for most of the fourth quarter but the two things that have plagued this team most have the season reared it’s ugly head again. The Raps were unable to keep the Pacers from scoring at a high clip. Shooting over 55% from the field and over 52% from deep is not a recipe for success. Add in the Raptors poor shooting under 44% from the field and under 21% from three. You aren’t surprised at the loss.
The one thing that the Raptors usually do well in their wins is getting fast break points. On this night however the Pacers out scored them 20-11 in that category.
“Didn’t feel super organized at either end at the start or for a while,” Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. “I thought that we let a lot of chances go.”
We can’t use being short handed as an excuse but the Raptors were without forward Scottie Barnes, who left Sunday’s loss with a sore left wrist. Toronto was also without forward Precious Achiuwa and Gary Trent who were both also inactive.
Fluent Finale:
“It was really fun just to play in Toronto my first time,” Mathurin said. “The fact that we got the win makes it even more exciting.”
Maturin’s first game and win in Toronto was also the Raptors first home loss since February 10th versus the Utah Jazz.
Now you’re more fluent!