Siakam leads the Pacers over the Raptors with 23 points in his Toronto comeback.
Siakam, who was moved from Toronto to Indiana last month, expressed his satisfaction with his performance on his first visit back north of the border.
Siakam remarked, “You don’t want to come here and lose.” “I was thinking about that. While everyone was saying how happy they were to see me, I was thinking to myself, “I need to win, man.” I have to win this game. It feels great to win, for sure.”
Obi Toppin scored 15, Isaiah Jackson had 15 points and 11 rebounds, Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists, and Andrew Nembhard had 14 as the Pacers overcame their defeat at Charlotte on Monday.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl contributed 19 points and 11 boards. Barnes came just short of recording a triple-double with eight assists in the end.
With 40 fast-break points and 84 points in the paint, the Raptors achieved season highs.
Last Friday, as Houston came to Toronto, fans celebrated the return of former Raptors guard Fred VanVleet and began a run of four straight home games. On Valentine’s Day, they came together for an emotional reunion with Siakam, who was recognized during pregame introductions with a video tribute. The Raptors players cheered, and Siakam received a standing ovation from the audience.
It really does mean a lot, Siakam stated. “I feel modest. That kind of welcome really was beyond my imagination. I’m grateful. Many thanks to all of you.”
The two-time All-Star showed up to his press conference after the game wearing a unique Valentine’s Day ensemble consisting of pink winter hat, jacket, and pants.