Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett scored a season-best 39 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to overwhelm the Indiana Pacers 130-119 and end the team's seven-game losing streak in the NBA on Monday evening.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (2nd L) of Atlanta Hawks defends during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season game between Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, the United States, Nov. 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Teammate Jakob Poeltl continued his hot streak with 30 points and 15 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Over the last three games, the Austrian big man has averaged 30.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, including a career-high 35 points in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics two nights prior.
In the Boston game, Barrett dished out a career-best 15 assists as part of his first ever triple-double. The 24-year-old Canadian continues his breakout season with career highs in points (23.2), rebounds (6.4), assists (6.5), field goal attempts (19.8) and free throw attempts (6.3).
With the win, the Raptors improve to 3-12 on the season and rise from last place in the Eastern Conference, surpassing the Washington Wizards and the Philadelphia 76ers, who both hold a 2-11 record.
"I know how much this group is working, how much they love each other and support each other," said Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic after the win. "Once we go out there and get a win, that gives them an extra boost of energy to continue to work hard and play hard."
All Raptors starters finished with double-digit scoring for the fifth time this season. Sophomore Gradey Dick poured in 15 points, while Ochai Agbaji and Davion Mitchell each added 11 points.