Raptors show a killer instinct following a cavalier start in Indiana

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The Raptors return home riding a 4-1 road win, inspired by a win in Atlanta and capped by a successful stay in Indianapolis.

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While it's true that the Raptors are playing well, keep in mind that Toronto's opponents aren't very good.

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During the road game, the Raptors played two opponents with a total of two wins, including Saturday's opponent in the Indiana Pacers.

As long as this group continues to mature and stay on the same page, there will be far more wins than losses, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

After them 129-111 victory over Pacers, The Raptors improved to 8–5, including a 6–3 road record, by winning the seventh game of their last eight.

The numbers will improve depending on the expected favorable schedule.

Toronto's bench has expanded while the team's starting lineup, by far the Raptors' strongest, has taken turns improving its play.

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A few areas that need improvement include three-point shooting and rebounding.

When they pick up the pace, the Raptors are at their best.

When the score is balanced, the Raptors are difficult to defend.

Brandon Ingram has a shot designer and a shot creator when the game is played in the half court.

No one expected Scottie Barnes to continue his arguably best performance by posting another gem, but if he did, it would be encouraging.

The Raptors did show that Barnes tied Vince Carter for the franchise record of recording at least one block and one steal in a career-high nine straight games.

Below are three takeaways from a night in which the Raptors scored 101 points through three quarters, including 39 in the third period when seven players reached double-digit scoring.

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1. Point Counterpoint

Jamal Sheed is a decent backup point guard who continues to improve.

Shid's greatest asset is his willingness to accept his role and never complain.

Immanuel Quickley at this point shouldn't be viewed as the ideal complement for Barnes that many foolishly dreamed of when the Raptors and Knicks completed their blockbuster run.

And then there's Andrew Nembhard from Aurora.

This guy is a point guard who leads and controls the play, but he has also adopted the modern role of looking to score.

Under no circumstances would the Pacers ever contemplate a trade that would result in Nembhard and Quickley swapping jerseys.

Anyone who paid even the slightest attention to Raptors should be able to say that an update to a given position is required in order for this franchise to take the next step.

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A big bounce will certainly help too.

Maybe Quickley will actually turn into this guy.

Its quick trigger must be used.

As for Nembhard, he never loses possession of the ball and when a defensive problem arises, he always seems to rise to the occasion.

When it comes to defense, Quickley is nowhere near as good as Nembhard, and probably never will be.

2. Late start is not good.

After the opening message of the evening, a warning sign quickly appeared.

The one-win Pacers team came out with a starting group that even the most ardent basketball fan wouldn't recognize.

The Raptors got a big win in Cleveland on Friday night and didn't have to travel far.

Still, the Raptors looked disjointed and disinterested.

In other words, they downplayed their opposition.

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To be even more frank, the Raptors took the Pacers for granted.

Good teams don't waste time imposing their will on a weaker opponent, good teams compete from the start.

Until they can dominate a weakened team from the start, doubts will remain.

In terms of talent, the Pacers were no match for the Raptors.

Indiana took a 22-12 lead on Nembhard's 3-pointer.

Trailing a rotten Pacers team by double digits was simply unforgivable.

Toronto led by nine points at halftime.

3. Poeltl's progress

There was nothing wrong with Jakob Poeltl's performance, and there's plenty more to come if the big man can avoid injury.

Injury was Poeltl's biggest problem.

When he is healthy and his performance shows that his health has improved, Poeltl's presence is a must.

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The Raptors took full control of the ball early in the second half thanks to Poeltl, whose patented drives to the basket led to a basket in the third quarter.

He shoots from a high post and his soft hands serve Poelt well when finishing at the rim.

His shot put-like jumper is still not unlocked.

With Ingram on the floor, Poeltl can limit his shot options to five feet from the basket.

Converting from the line will help, otherwise the hack-a-jac the Pacers initiated on several possessions in the fourth quarter will work.

Next

The Raptors return home to play the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night; The Bugs aren't very good, but they could be fun to watch with LaMelo Ball back in the lineup after missing five games due to injury; The explosive point guard and sharp-shooting rookie Con Knuppel form a promising backcourt tandem.
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