NBA: Raptors stun Pacers

Toronto, Jan 2 (IANS) Toronto Raptors stunned the league-leading Indiana Pacers to begin 2014 with a 95-82 victory in NBA action.

With the victory Wednesday night, Toronto improved to 15-15 on the season, the first time the team has reached the .500 mark through 30 games since Jan 6, 2010, reports Xinhua.

“We did a good job, the guys battled,” said Raptors head coach Dwane Casey.

“We came in hungry and fought for 48 minutes, stayed with the game plan and executed.”

Part of the game plan was containing Indiana’s All-Stars, Paul George and Roy Hibbert.

Casey specifically credits the defensive efforts of guard Terrance Ross.

“He’s guarding one of the best wing players in the league in Paul George. Paul George coming in (to the game) was really balling,” said Casey.

“Ross did a heck of job of standing up to him, not giving him open looks, making him work for every inch he got.”

Entering the game, George was ranked sixth in the league averaging 23.8 points per game. Against Toronto’s defence, George was held to 12 points on 5-14 shooting and committed a season-worst six turnovers and five personal fouls.

The 2.18-metre Hibbert battled foul trouble the entire game and managed to play 21 minutes before fouling out.