RJ Barrett pumps in 39 as Raptors drop Pacers

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett scored a season-high 39 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to defeat the Indiana Pacers 130-119 and end the team’s seven-game NBA losing streak Monday evening.

Bogdan Bogdanovic (2nd L) of the Atlanta Hawks defends during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, the United States, November 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

His teammate Jakob Poeltl continued his good streak with 30 points and 15 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. Over the last three games, the Austrian big man averaged 30.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, including a career-high 35 points in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics two nights prior .

In the game against Boston, Barrett dished out a career-best 15 assists as part of his first-ever triple-double. The 24-year-old Canadian continues his stellar season with career highs in points (23.2), rebounds (6.4), assists (6.5), field goal attempts (19.8) and free throw attempts (6.3).

With the win, the Raptors improve to 3-12 on the season and move up from last place in the Eastern Conference, surpassing the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers, who both hold a 2-11 record.

“I know how hard this group works, how much they love and support each other,” Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said after the victory. “Once we get on the field and get a win, it gives them an extra boost of energy to keep working hard and playing hard.”

All Raptors starters finished in double figures for the fifth time this season. Sophomore Gradey Dick scored 15 points, while Ochai Agbaji and Davion Mitchell each added 11 points.