Indiana Pacers get a big win in Toronto to all but seal playoff berth

The Indiana Pacers had just three games left as they headed into Toronto to play a bad Raptors team. It didn't look good early after the Raptors jumped to an early 9-2 lead. It was another bad start against a bad team. Then, the Pacers brought the juice and got the win.

After a big 41-point third quarter, the Pacers were able to win the game 140-123. They were led by Tyrese Haliburton who finished with 30 points on 10-16 shooting. He was the offensive engine that led the Pacers, just like he was before the All-Star break.

Now that the Pacers have won the game, they are one step closer to sealing up a playoff spot and staying out of the play-in. That has been the goal for this group all season long. The bench was a big part of beating the Raptors too, led by T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin.

The Indiana Pacers finally win a game against a bad team without it being close

McConnell finished with 17 points and 7 assists to continue his strong run of games. Obi Toppin was the big story of the game though, scoring 23 points on 10-14 shooting. Toppin has been a valuable member of the bench since he moved to that unit once the Pacers traded for Pascal Siakam.

If the Pacers can keep up this level of production on the offensive end, it doesn't really matter what they do on defense. It's hard for another team to beat them when they score 140 points. Their defense and rebounding were an issue in the first half though.

Those two things need to get cleaned up before Indiana takes on Cleveland on Friday. That game could give the Pacers either the 5th or even the 4th seed in the East depending on what else happens around them. They just have to focus on winning.

It seems like the Indiana Pacers are finally rounding into shape when they need to the most.