The Toronto Raptors had a chance to take firm control of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, but instead the Raptors head back home with their tail between their legs for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday after a Game 4 no-show in Indianapolis over the weekend.
Pacers vs. Raptors 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch NBA playoffs online
The Raptors host the Pacers in a pivotal Game 5.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The underdog Pacers jumped on the Raptors right from the start, and Paul George finally got some significant help from his comrades in a 100-83 triumph that tied the series at 2-2. George Hill scored 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting, but the most surprising performance came courtesy of Ian Mahinmi, who notched 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
What wasn't surprising, unfortunately, were the shooting struggles of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Continuing a trend from recent postseasons, Lowry is shooting 32 percent through four playoff games this time around, while DeRozan is at a frigid 30 percent. Lowry has managed to make an impact in some other areas of the game, but DeRozan has been a negative on both ends of the floor.
Toronto may be able to dispatch Indiana even with its star backcourt struggling, but the team would rather not have to find out if that’s the case, and the pair will have to find its groove at some point if the Raptors are going to make any significant noise in the postseason. A big performance on their home court would be a good start.
How to watch Pacers-Raptors Game 5
Place: Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada
Time: 6 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Online: Watch TNT
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