(Toronto) Pascal Siakam highlighted his return to Toronto by scoring 23 points on Wednesday as the Indiana Pacers won 127-125 against the Raptors.
Siakam was warmly applauded during the players’ presentation, where a video of his highlights was played.
He seemed very touched by the wonderful reception from the public.
Then, the Cameroonian excelled in particular in the last quarter, where he provided seven points. Siakam also collected seven assists and five rebounds.
“You don’t want to come back and lose. It was something I had in mind, he said. When people told me they were happy to see me, all I thought about was winning. »
Siakam spent more than seven seasons with Toronto before being traded to the Pacers on January 17. He was a key player during the 2019 championship.
The Raptors drafted him in the first round in 2016, at 27e rank.
Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points and 12 assists, while Isaiah Jackson had 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Siakam mentioned that Haliburton has really impressed him since he arrived with the Pacers.
“I’ve been playing in the league for a while and he’s one of those players who just wants to win,” he said. It’s rare and special for a young player. »
Andrew Nembhard of Aurora, Ontario, had 14 points.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 29 points, adding 12 rebounds. Mississauga’s RJ Barrett had 23 points and nine rebounds.
Barnes, who has become the face of the Raptors since Siakam’s departure, said it was “a little weird” to face his friend and former teammate.
“It was emotional, but we’re really good competitors and we both wanted the win. We want to have it every time we’re on the field,” Barnes said. It was very competitive today, but it felt good. »
The Raptors were unable to maintain a 71-65 lead gained at halftime.
The score, however, was very close until 121-121, after which Siakam followed up with a basket and a free throw.
Soon after, it was thought Barnes had created the long-range deadlock, but his right foot was on the line. He therefore had to settle for two points on the sequence.
Siakam added another basket, then Barnes and Barrett missed on the final two chances to tie the score.
Montrealer Bennedict Mathurin did not play for the Pacers, injured in his right knee.
The Raptors’ record slipped to 19-36. That of the Pacers is 31-25.
It was the last game before the All-Star break for both teams.
The Raptors will play again on February 22 at home, against the Brooklyn Nets.
The same day, the Pacers will host the Detroit Pistons.