Pacers’ Comeback Falls Short as Raptors Win 94-93 in Summer League Thriller

When and Where Did It Happen?

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:40 p.m. ET (that’s evening time in the eastern U.S.), the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers played a basketball game.

• Location: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas
• Event: NBA Summer League game (a summer practice tournament)

What Is the NBA Summer League? (ELI5)

The NBA is a big basketball league with many teams. In the summer, teams play a Summer League — think of it as friendly practice games where younger or new players get to show their skills. It’s not the regular serious season, but it’s still real basketball!

Who Were the Teams?

• Indiana Pacers (short: Pacers)
• Toronto Raptors (short: Raptors)

How the Game Unfolded (Step by Step)

1. First Quarter (the first part of the game): The Pacers were in big trouble. They were losing 24 to 6. That means the Raptors had 24 points, and the Pacers only had 6. This is called a deficit (being behind).
2. By Halftime (the halfway break): The Pacers fought back super hard! They caught up and the score was tied with the Raptors.
3. Later in the Game: The Pacers even flipped the lead and were ahead by as many as 6 points.
4. End of Regulation (the normal ending time): The Raptors managed to get a small lead. The score was Raptors 94, Pacers 93.
5. The Final Play: With time running out, Pacers player Rienk Mast (a center, a tall player near the hoop) tried to shoot the ball in the lane (the marked area near the basket). Raptors player Seth Lundy (a forward, a player who helps both score and defend) swatted the ball away — like hitting it far so it can’t go in. This blocked the shot and kept the Raptors’ win safe.

Important Point to Remember

Callout – Important: A "swat" or "block" is when a defender knocks the ball away from someone shooting. Seth Lundy’s block at the very last second is why the Raptors won by just one point (94-93)!

Key Facts at a Glance

• The game was on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:40 p.m. ET.
• It was an NBA Summer League game in Las Vegas.
• Pacers trailed 24-6 in the first quarter.
• They tied the game by halftime.
• Pacers led by up to 6 points later.
• Raptors forward Seth Lundy blocked Pacers center Rienk Mast’s shot in the lane at the end.
• Final score: Raptors 94, Pacers 93.

Summary

The Indiana Pacers had a rough start, falling behind 24-6 in the first quarter of a Monday NBA Summer League game. But they didn’t give up! They tied the score by halftime and even led by 6 points later. However, the Toronto Raptors fought back. At the final moment, Raptors player Seth Lundy blocked a close shot by Pacers’ Rienk Mast, preserving a narrow 94-93 win for Toronto at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. It was an exciting lesson in never giving up — and how one block can decide a game!

FAQ

Q1: What does "deficit" mean in a basketball game?
A: It simply means one team has fewer points than the other. If the score is 24-6 against you, you have a deficit of 18 points.

Q2: What is a "block" or "swat" in basketball?
A: When a player on defense hits the ball away right as an opponent tries to shoot, stopping the ball from going into the hoop. It’s like saying "no score for you!" with your hand.

Q3: Who are the "forward" and "center" positions?
A: These are just jobs on the court. A center is usually the tallest player who stays near the basket. A forward is a player who helps score and also defends, often playing a bit further out.

Q4: What is the "lane" in basketball?
A: The lane is the rectangular painted area right under the hoop. Players often try to shoot from there because it’s close.

Q5: Why is this game called "Summer League"?
A: Because it happens in summer and is a league where NBA teams play exhibition games to try out new players, not counting toward the main championship.