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Toronto Raptors pace themselves to record-breaking win over Indiana

By Paul Taylor

TORONTO, ON - MAY 23: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors speaks after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 23: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors speaks after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre on May 23, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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It was a night of firsts for the Toronto Raptors in their win against the Indiana Pacers, but they appreciate bigger challenges lay ahead.

In recent days we’ve queried the Toronto Raptors‘ mentality and written they still have work to do to earn more respect. On Friday night, they provided the perfect response.

The Raptors triumphed 92-73 over the Indiana Pacers on a record-breaking evening at the ACC. They clinched their first ever number one seed in the Eastern Conference, while setting franchise records for home and overall regular season wins.

To get some measure of Toronto’s achievements, the fact they also clinched their fifth divisional title was just a passing thought. This truly has been a special season for Canada’s NBA team.

However, you wouldn’t have thought it, given the team’s lack of celebrating after the game. In fairness, they appreciate bigger challenges lay ahead.

Coach Dwane Casey perfectly captured the mood, while still taking the time to praise his players. As reported by the Toronto Star‘s Doug Smith, Casey said:

"“There’s a sense of gratification, watching the growth of the program … from scratch to the No. 1 seed in our conference. So that’s good. We’re not satisfied. We still have some things to get done and work on and to accomplish, but I know everyone in that locker room had something to do with it.”"

And everyone includes Casey himself. As noted by ESPN, he became just the third coach in NBA history to improve his team’s win total in six of seven seasons.

After last season, there were questions about the 60-year-old’s ability to adapt his coaching style so the team could progress. Now, he has an excellent chance to win his first ever Coach of the Year award.

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Admittedly, even securing homecourt advantage in the conference will do little to stop those who claim they aren’t good enough to advance to the NBA Finals. As things stand, there are still a lot of doubts about their chances to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers and the playoff version of LeBron James.

At least the Raptors have put themselves in the best possible position to achieve just this, assuming they actually face the Cavaliers in the playoffs. For what it’s worth, Toronto has a 3-2 regular season home record against Cleveland in the last three years.

Of course, critics will also point out the Raptors are 2-3 against the Cavaliers at home in the playoffs over the same period. Regardless, a 33-7 record at the ACC has to count for something.

Interestingly, another game which took place on Friday night could result in the Raptors now facing the Cavaliers earlier than hoped. With Cleveland losing in Philadelphia, the 76ers moved ahead of them in the standings, albeit by just half a game.

At least Toronto now appears to have gotten back on track with two straight wins, following a run of three losses in four games. And their defence has been particularly impressive in the victories over the Boston Celtics and Pacers.

You better believe the defence has been necessary as well. The team shot the ball poorly against the Celtics and had a season-high 23 turnovers versus the Pacers.

At least the Raptors had Serge Ibaka to rely on during Friday night. He led the team with 25 points, which included a career-best five three-pointers.

Every one of Ibaka’s points were precious, on an evening where only two other teammates reached double figures in scoring. Jonas Valanciunas did his usual job by grabbing 12 boards, while Kyle Lowry led the way with nine dimes.

But it’s the defence which deservedly gets most of the attention, after allowing a season-low 72 points. This becomes even more impressive, when considering the Pacers were coming off a 126-106 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Displaying his level-headed approach to the team’s success, as reported by the Associated Press via Sports Illustrated, Casey said: “They’re a tough team. We caught them at a good time.”

Toronto now has three games remaining, before the playoffs begins. How, they approach the remaining regular season contests will be interesting.

In addition, there is still so much to be decided in respect of which teams could represent the path towards the NBA Finals. At least whoever the Raptors do face, they can approach it with the knowledge of having homecourt advantage in the conference.

Next: How long does Kyle Lowry have left?

How does it feel to be the number one seed in the East for the first time? Has it increased your confidence in the Toronto Raptors’ ability to advance to the NBA Finals? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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