The Raptors-Pacers game on Wednesday night turned into a hotly-contested affair in the final period, with the two teams scratching and clawing for a much-needed victory against inter-conference rivals. The Pacers are just 3.5 games back of the top seed in the East, and with Victor Oladipo back in the lineup after an injury are looking to make some moves heading into the holidays.
But they’ve lost three straight now after falling to Toronto on Wednesday, 99-96, and upon second glance, it appears they may have had a last-second opportunity stolen from them on a questionable no-call on the final possession.
The Raptors ratcheted up on defense in the waning moments, making it difficult for Indiana to even get a shot attempt off, and it looks like a bit of over-zealousness on the part of OG Anunoby and a missed call by the official helped Toronto secure the victory.
Oh, wow. Onunoby with a risky play, he FOULS the shooter, but the refs swallow the whistle. Crazy. 🤦♀️ pic.twitter.com/KHcMdg2eyq
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) December 20, 2018
On the inbound play, Bojan Bogdanovic caught the pass and turned to hoist up a three, but Anunoby was right to strip the ball away. Or, so it seemed. Upon closer inspection, it appears Anunoby committed a reach-in foul that should’ve put Bogdanovic at the line for three free-throws that might’ve sent it into overtime.
You can tell by Anunoby’s reaction that he regretted that move almost immediately as Bogdanovic flailed and tried to sell it to the refs, but to no avail. Bogdanovic was 3-of-6 from downtown up to that point and finished the game with 18 points.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 28 points, but it was Fred VanVleet who knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer on the other end to put Toronto up for good. It was the Raptors’ third straight consecutive game without Kyle Lowry, who is battling a knee issue. They’ll host the Cavs Friday night at home as they try to make it three straight.
