The Raptors were the better team in the first quarter, a trend that would continue until the middle of the third period. The Canadians’ lead was up to 24 points before the Pacers started a spectacular comeback. In a thrilling final phase, Toronto’s advantage dwindled to just two points. Losses of the ball and a weakening rate from the three-point line almost cost the Raptors their victory.
But alongside the top scorers for the Canadians, Scottie Barnes with 35 (career high) and RJ Barrett with 29 points, Pöltl was also able to make a decisive impact. In the last minute, he first used a Barnes pass with a layup. The Viennese was fouled in this action, then stayed calm at the free throw line and made it 122:111. With a block by Pöltl in the next action, the game was decided in favor of the Raptors.
Pöltl top in the league
In the ORF interview, the Austrian summed up positively: “It was a very intense game against a strong opponent. They had a good phase in the second half. But in the end we found our game again and brought home the victory.”
Pöltl continues to shine with his strongest statistics. With his 13th double-double this season, he is in the top 15 in the league. With four offensive rebounds per game, he has been leading an important rating for weeks, alternating with three-time league MVP Nikola Jokic. Pöltl was also the best player under the boards against the Pacers with a total of ten rebounds.
“All in all, I’m very happy with my management today, especially defensively. They have strong throwers who weren’t easy to defend. In the end we played well. Of course it’s cool that I was able to score the last basket, because then the game was ours,” said Pöltl.
Raptors are improving
In the Eastern Conference, the Raptors climbed to twelfth place after their seventh win in the 22nd game of the season and are slowly approaching a place in the knockout phase again. The next opponent on Friday night is the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the favorites for the title.
“I don’t really care who comes next. It’s about our basketball and bringing our best performance to the floor,” said the Viennese. For both teams it was not only a league game, but also the last appearance in this year’s NBA Cup. Even before the duel, both the Raptors and the Pacers no longer had a chance of promotion.
