NBA Playoffs: Raptors vs. Pacers Game 2 recap, full highlights

The Toronto Raptors bounced back to defeat the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

After losing seven consecutive playoff games, the Toronto Raptors were out to prove something on Monday night. From the very beginning, Kyle Lowry got to work to get the Raptors out to a big lead on the floor.

Not only did the Raptors bring an improved focus on offense, they also brought complete effort on the defensive end of the court. They made it difficult on George Hill to set plays up for the Pacers and forced multiple turnovers on the court.

After a quarter, the Raptors had a double-digit advantage behind Lowry dishing assists to Jonas Valanciunas and the Raptors looked like a much different team. The team put Cory Joseph next to Lowry and it worked, as the Raptors had two decision makers on the court.

If there was one negative in the game, Terrence Ross would have to leave the game and undergo concussion protocol after hitting the floor hard.

The Pacers started to go on a little run toward the end of the second quarter and into the third quarter behind Paul George. In fact, the Pacers had cut the Raptors’ lead down to four and it looked like the Raptors were going to lose their lead yet again.

However, the Raptors didn’t let Indiana take back their lead and began upping the pressure on the defensive end. They quickly got their double-digit lead back and upped it to 18 points by the middle of the fourth quarter. Lowry would push the pace and give it his all until the end and the Raptors would come away with the big series-tying win.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. Cory Joseph

Putting Cory Joseph next to Kyle Lowry paid off huge dividends for the Raptors. With two decision makers on the court, Joseph provided extra help and the ball moved around a lot better.

2. Kyle Lowry

His shot wasn’t always falling, but Lowry gave everything that he had. He was falling on the floor and diving for balls in the fourth quarter.

1. Jonas Valanciunas

The big man led the way for the Raptors offensively and on the boards. He led the team in scoring with 23 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.

Betting Odds

Toronto came into the game as an 8-point favorite. With the win, the Raptors covered the spread.

What’s Next?

The two teams will meet for Game 3 in Indianapolis on Thursday.

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