Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett Lead Raptors to Victory, Ending 7-Game Skid
The Toronto Raptors finally broke their seven-game losing streak with a thrilling 130-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, thanks to standout performances from Jakob Poeltl and Canadian RJ Barrett. The Raptors were shorthanded, with several key players sidelined due to injuries, but the duo rose to the occasion to lead their team to a much-needed win.
RJ Barrett, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, was instrumental in the victory, scoring a season-high 39 points. Barrett’s performance was especially crucial in the fourth quarter, where he scored 15 of his 39 points, helping the Raptors hold off a late charge from the Pacers. Along with his impressive scoring, Barrett contributed 9 rebounds and 5 assists, showcasing his all-around game.
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Jakob Poeltl also delivered a career-best performance, finishing the game with 30 points and 16 rebounds. Poeltl’s dominance in the paint was key for the Raptors, especially with Indiana missing their starting center, Myles Turner, who was out with a sore right calf. Poeltl capitalized on the extra space and proved to be a force in both scoring and rebounding. This performance marked his ninth double-double of the season, further emphasizing the stellar year he’s having.
Indiana’s offense was led by former Raptor Pascal Siakam, who posted a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin also contributed significantly, with Mathurin scoring 28 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, and Toppin adding 19 points off the bench. Despite their best efforts, the Pacers couldn’t overcome the Raptors’ strong lead, even with a late rally in the final period.
The Raptors were without several players, including All-Star forward Scottie Barnes and starting point guard Immanuel Quickley. Despite this, Toronto managed to build a commanding 22-point lead at one point, largely thanks to Poeltl’s dominance and Barrett’s scoring. A key moment came when Poeltl made a two-foot hook shot midway through the third quarter, which helped the Raptors open up a large cushion that Indiana could never quite overcome.
While Toronto’s victory was much-needed, turnovers remained an issue, as the Raptors committed 23 turnovers throughout the game. This continues to be an area of concern, as the team struggled to maintain possession, particularly in the early stages of the game. However, their resilience and strong individual performances, especially from Poeltl and Barrett, proved to be enough to snap the losing streak.
The Raptors will now have a few days off before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pacers continue their road trip, with their next stop in Houston to take on the Rockets. For Toronto, this victory not only provided a much-needed boost but also highlighted the impressive form of Jakob Poeltl, who is proving to be a key player for the Raptors this season.
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