The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday, 101-85, to take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference's first-round playoffs.
Just as the Pacers had ambushed the Raptors in the first game of the series on their home court, Toronto returned the favor by playing the role of unruly visitor Thursday in Indiana. The Raptors established themselves early, jumping out to a 24-17 lead after one quarter. That margin extended to 53-36 by intermission, as Toronto was able to receive contributions from two key components that had been quiet in the series until now. DeMarre Carroll (17 points) and DeMar DeRozan (21 points) both stepped up to help postseason stalwarts Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas, allowing the Raptors to essentially cruise to a 2-1 series lead.
DeRozan and Lowry co-led the attack with their respective 21-point totals. The former also pitched in with three assists, two rebounds and two steals, while the latter handed out eight assists, hauled in four rebounds and recorded a steal. Carroll supplied 17 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block. Valanciunas had his lowest scoring total of the series so far (nine points), but snared 14 boards and recorded a block. Cory Joseph continued to play well off the bench, leading the reserves with 10 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.
Paul George did the heavy lifting for the Pacers for the third straight game, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block. George Hill contributed 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Monta Ellis, who'd missed practice Wednesday with a personal issue, could only muster seven points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal. Myles Turner led the reserves with 17 points, eight rebounds, an assist and three blocks.
The two teams reconvene for Game 4 on Saturday afternoon at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
