Leandro Barbosa sizzles as the Toronto Raptors rip apart the Indian Pacers 108-98
Leandro Barbosa exploded off the bench with his season-high 29 points to lead Toronto Raptors to an electrifying 108-98 victory over Indian Pacers at Air Canada Centre on Friday night. Ed Davis also clinched a double-double with
12 points and 13 rebounds to decelerate the Pacers, who have lost their sixth straight game.
Fridays night’s defeat articulated an interesting situation for Indiana as they dropped into a tie with Charlotte Bobcats for the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Both the teams carry 27 victories and 38 defeats and are
fighting for the 8th spot.
Danny Granger and Tyler Hansbrough combined for 45 points as their formidable exertion was overshadowed by the home team in the end.
The teams headed out with a 8-8 stretch in the preliminary moments of the game, escalating a belligerent confrontation. DeMar DeRozan lifted the momentum for Raptors, scoring 8 of his 16 points in the first quarter to propel them
to a 32-27 advantage.
Barbosa was on fire in the second quarter leaving few options for Pacers to gain any sort of momentum. The 28 year old guard started his assail on the opposition early in the period and by the time he nailed a dagger for three,
the Raps had already raced onto a 43-29 lead. Tyler Hansbrough strived stoutly to cut down the deficit for Indian Pacers, however Amir Johnson stepped up his game and helped Toronto secure a 62-48 lead as the game progressed into the halftime.
Indian romped to a 19-12 run the start of the third quarter to slash the deficit somewhat. The Pacers’ effort however went all in vain when the Raptors restricted them to score in the next three minutes. Barbosa’s successive lands
in the finishing moments of the third period ensured 10 points advantage for the home team as they marched forward assertively towards the final quarter.
Toronto Raptors clutched three 3-pointers from long distance in the fourth quarter to affix their success in the game. The deficit was stretched well over by the home team which was difficult for Indian to overcome in the last
quarter. Darren Collison foul in the defining moments of the play awarded two free throws to the Raptors as they cherished a comprehensive win 108-98 over a better team.
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