Raptors rout Pacers after fire causes delay, fan evacuation

Updated Mar. 26, 2022 10:58 p.m. ET
Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 23 points and the Toronto Raptors routed the depleted Indiana Pacers 131-91 on Saturday night in a game delayed 70 minutes in the first half because of a speaker fire that forced the evacuation of fans.

Scottie Barnes added 19 points, Precious Achiuwa 18, OG Anunoby 16, Chris Boucher and Thad Young 11 in the Raptors' biggest margin of victory this season.

Oshae Brissett led Indiana with 21 points. Justin Anderson had 18, Jalen Smith 15 and Buddy Hield 14. The Pacers have lost three straight and five of seven.

In the first quarter, two sections of fans behind the basket at the east end of the stadium were cleared and Toronto Fire Services personnel could be seen in the empty aisles, staring at the ceiling. Later, another section was cleared as play continued. Before long,

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During a timeout, public address announcer Herbie Kuhn announced that the arena was being evacuated at the order of Toronto Fire Services, telling booing fans that the game had been suspended.

Players headed to their locker rooms with 4:05 left in the second quarter and the Raptors leading 66-38.

During the delay, two workers using ropes and harnesses hung from the ceiling and sprayed a fire extinguisher at the problematic speaker.

Remaining ushers and arena security staff cheered when the Raptors returned to warm up for the restart. The halftime break was cut from 15 minutes to seven and a half minutes, and players did not leave the court during the intermission.

Toronto guard Fred VanVleet, who missed two games earlier this month because of a sore right knee, did not return following the restart.

This was the latest instance of fan-free basketball for the Raptors, who played to no more than a few hundred fans at home games between Dec. 31 and Mar. 1 because of Ontario government restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anunoby and Siakam combined for 22 points in the first, one more than the Pacers had as a team, and Toronto closed the quarter with a 23-5 spurt to lead 41-21.

The Raptors led 66-38 when the game was suspended with 4:05 left in the second quarter. After play resumed, Toronto led 74-46 at halftime.

HURTING PACERS

Indiana guard Malcolm Brogdon (conditioning) sat for the fourth straight game, while guard Chris Duarte (left big toe) missed his fifth straight, and forward Isaiah Jackson (headache) missed his second straight. The Pacers were also without center Goga Bitzadze, who sat because of a sore right foot.

CHECKING ON COACH

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle missed his second straight game for personal reasons. Acting head coach Lloyd Pierce said he’d checked in with Carlisle since a loss Thursday night at Memphis.

“We just keep it professional, but he’s doing well," Pierce said. “He’s concerned about us but we’re concerned about him as well.”

SIX PACK

Toronto is 15-4 when six or more players score in double digits.

TIP-INS

Pacers: Smith returned after missing the past two games bcause of a non-COVID illness. … Indiana is 9-29 on the road. The Pacers went 3-5 away from home in March.

Raptors: G Gary Trent Jr. (left big toe) sat for the third straight game but is “pretty close” to a return, coach Nick Nurse said. … Signed G Armoni Brooks to a multi-year contract. Brooks had previously signed two 10-day contracts with Toronto.

UP NEXT

Pacers: Host Atlanta on Monday night.

Raptors: Host Boston on Monday night.

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