In a highly-anticipated matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Toronto Raptors, Pascal Siakam led his new team to victory against his former team. Siakam, who was traded from the Raptors to the Pacers just last month, had a standout performance, scoring 23 points to help secure a 127-125 win.
Returning to Toronto for the first time since the trade, Siakam expressed his determination to not leave without a victory. 'You don't want to come here and lose,' Siakam stated. The fans had warmly received him with applause and tributes, but Siakam had his sights set on one thing – getting the win. 'Definitely feels good to get a win,' he said after the game.
Siakam wasn't the only player to shine for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 21 points and 12 assists, showcasing his versatility and playmaking abilities. Isaiah Jackson had an impressive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, the Raptors put up a strong fight. Scottie Barnes had an outstanding performance, recording 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double. Jakob Poeltl also had a solid night with 19 points and 11 boards.
One area where the Raptors excelled was in the paint, scoring a season-high 84 points. They also capitalized on the fast break with 40 points, showing their ability to quickly transition from defense to offense.
The game marked an emotional reunion for Siakam, who was honored with a video tribute during pregame introductions. The fans gave him a standing ovation, and Siakam expressed his gratitude, saying, 'I'm humbled. I couldn't really imagine that kind of reception. Thank you. Thanks to everyone.'
Following the game, Siakam appeared at the postgame news conference in a special Valentine's Day outfit, wearing pink pants, a pink jacket, and a pink winter hat. The lighthearted gesture added a touch of festive spirit to the occasion.
Overall, the Pacers' victory over the Raptors was an exciting and emotional matchup, showcasing Siakam's exceptional performance against his former team. Both teams displayed their competitive spirit and skill throughout the game, making it an entertaining spectacle for fans.
