Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers waves to fans as he walks off the court following his team’s victory over the Toronto Raptors in an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, in Toronto. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
TORONTO—Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points and 12 assists, Pascal Siakam scored 23 goals against his former team and the Indiana Pacers beat the Toronto Raptors 127-125 in the NBA on Wednesday night.
Isaiah Jackson added 15 points and 11 rebounds, Obi Toppin scored 15 and Andrew Nembhard scored 14 as the Pacers rebounded from Monday’s loss at Charlotte.
Siakam, traded from Toronto to Indiana last month, said he felt good after earning a victory on his first trip back north of the border.
“You don’t want to come here and lose,” Siakam said. “That was something that concerned me. Everyone was like, “I’m so happy to see you,” but in my head I was like, “I have to win, man. I can’t lose this match. It feels really good to get a victory.
lots of love for Pascal Siakam in his first match in Toronto ???? pic.twitter.com/8m4Sr38D6T
– Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 15, 2024
Scottie Barnes had 29 points and 12 rebounds, and Jakob Poeltl added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Raptors. Barnes finished with eight assists, just missing a triple-double.
Barnes missed a shot with 39 seconds left in the fourth quarter that would have given Toronto a 125-124 lead. Siakam responded by scoring with 25 seconds left to give Indiana a three-point advantage.
Poeltl cut the score to 126-125 by making two free throws with 14.7 seconds left. Jackson made one of two on the other end, giving the Pacers a two-point lead with 9.5 seconds left. RJ Barrett’s driving shot at the buzzer didn’t fall as the Raptors lost their third in a row.
“Ben Sheppard tonight, especially in the fourth quarter, was the difference,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “Making shots, defending, stopping on the last play.”
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said he called for a 3-pointer on the final possession.
“Watching the film now, I think the pass was probably there, but we just didn’t execute it the way we wanted to,” Rajakovic said.
Barrett scored 23 points, Immanuel Quickley 14 and Bruce Brown, acquired in last month’s trade involving Siakam, scored 12 against his former team.
Doug McDermott had 13 points and Sheppard scored 10 for the Pacers, who are 14-14 on the road.
The Raptors set season highs with 84 points in the paint and 40 points on the fast break.
Toronto fans opened a four-game homestand last Friday by welcoming back former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet to a visit from Houston. They closed it out on Valentine’s Day with an emotional reunion with Siakam, who was honored with a video tribute during the pre-match introductions. Raptors players applauded and the crowd gave Siakam a standing ovation.
“It really means a lot,” Siakam said. “I am honored. I couldn’t really imagine this kind of reception. THANKS. Thank you everyone.”
The two-time All-Star arrived at his postgame press conference wearing a special Valentine’s Day outfit consisting of pink pants, a pink jacket and a pink winter hat.
Indiana’s Benedict Mathurin was unavailable due to illness and a bruised right knee. Pacers center Myles Turner also sat out due to illness, while Jalen Smith missed his third straight game with back spasms.
The Pacers lost forward Aaron Nesmith early in the second half when he fell hard on a drive to the basket and had to be helped to the locker room. Carlisle said Nesmith injured his lower right leg, possibly his ankle, and would have had imaging done Thursday to confirm the injury.
“It looked very scary,” Carlisle said. “He’s in a good mood. He left the field with help. Hopefully this isn’t a long term thing.
Toronto’s Kelly Olynyk was scoreless in seven minutes in the first half. He did not return after the break due to lower back pain.
NEXT SCHEDULE
Pacers: Host Detroit on February 22.
Raptors: Host Brooklyn on February 22.
