Apr 27, 2016
Thoughts on Raptors/Pacers ahead of Game 6
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong weighs in on the Eastern Conference playoff series as it shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Friday night.
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong weighs in on the Eastern Conference playoff series as it shifts back to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Friday night.
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1. RAPTORS 4TH QUARTER (GAME #5): I've seen a lot of Raptors games in my 18 years and I must say that the fourth quarter of Game 5 was one of the most thrilling quarters I've witnessed. The energy, defence, ball movement, team play and toughness exhibited was tremendous. The crowd was energized and finally appeared to be enjoying themselves for once in the playoffs. There was no anxiety, just utter jubilation inside the Air Canada Centre.
2. FRANK VOGEL (Pacers): I'm a big fan of the Pacers head coach and think he's done a terrific job over the years. In my opinion, he outsmarted himself in Game 5. He had both Paul George and George Hill sitting on the bench to start the second and fourth quarters. Are you kidding me? You don’t play again until Friday and you have a chance to take a stranglehold on the series, but you’re worried about resting guys?
They can rest all summer. It's winning time. You play your best players every minute possible, and those two guys should rarely be off the floor. The Raptors got back in the game before half due to the second quarter rest, and the momentum swung dramatically in the fourth quarter with George and Hill out. Raptors fans don't mind that Vogel coached by the book rather than by the gut, but I’m still shaking my head over him not going for the kill.
3. NORMAN POWELL (Raptors): The young man has got “it.” There are certain guys that just have the guts and toughness that you want on the floor. Yes. I know he's a rookie and a second-round pick, but he deserves to play. I respect the fact that Dwane Casey has believes in him. Powell has earned it on the floor and proven he belongs.
4. GAME 6 (RAPTORS VS. PACERS): Needless to say, close-out games are the most difficult to get. The Raptors will have to bring their A ++ game in order to win on the road Friday night. If we see the toughness that we saw in the fourth quarter Tuesday night and in the second and third games of this series, they'll have a shot to wrap it up.
Otherwise, we'll be going back to Toronto for Game 7. I picked the Raps in six to start the series and I continue to stand by that. Time to finally make me look smart! Let's get moving on and get ready for the second round. Show that killer instinct in Indianapolis.
5. STEPH CURRY, BLAKE GRIFFIN & CHRIS PAUL: The recent rash of unfortunate injuries just goes to show that you never know. I’m not sure how the playoffs in the West will play out now, but the most important thing a team can do is stay in the hunt. Crazy things can happen and suddenly that door of opportunity pops open when you least expect it. Raptors fans can relate. Hang around and you never know what might happen.