Raptors relying on DeRozan, Lowry in Game 5

TORONTO — Through four games against the Indiana Pacers, the Toronto Raptors’ All-Star backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have playoff averages of 15.5 points and 13.3 points, respectively. The two have shot a combined 40-for-130 — 30.7 percent — and aren’t excelling in the areas that make them the most dangerous. Lowry was fifth in the NBA in 3-pointers made in the regular season, and he is 5-for-27 in the series. DeRozan was second in the NBA in free throws made, and he’s gone 11-for-15 in the series, failing to get to the line at all in the Raptors’ two losses.

“We just stink right now,” DeRozan said Sunday.

Lowry said that he simply has “got to shoot the shots better.” He has said similar things all series. If only it was that easy.

The Pacers had the third-best defense in the NBA in the regular season, and they have the right personnel to make things difficult for Toronto. George Hill is one of the few point guards in the league who can match Lowry’s physicality. Paul George is the NBA’s best wing defender not named Kawhi Leonard, and he has made almost no mistakes against DeRozan. When any Raptor manages to get all the way to the basket, Ian Mahinmi or Myles Turner is usually waiting to contest the shot.

“Every time I’m coming off there are two or three guys there,” DeRozan said. “They are doing a great job of sitting in and bringing help consistently having a body on me or Kyle, not really leaving us either on the perimeter.”

Toronto coach Dwane Casey said that Indiana deserves credit, but Lowry and DeRozan have just not been at their best. When it comes to DeRozan, Casey said that a change in approach might be necessary.

“He may have to be a facilitator,” Casey said. “He’s our leading scorer, he’s gotta take the shots that are there, but in …

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