Pacers Bruise Carter, Raptors

Everything went right for Sam Perkins on another day when things continued to go bad for the Toronto Raptors.

Perkins made all six of his 3-point attempts and scored a season-high 22 points as the Indiana Pacers embarrassed Toronto on NBC with a 104-83 rout Sunday.

Perkins, who had missed 17 of his previous 22 3-point attempts, was left wide open against the Raptors, who have lost seven of their last eight games.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to avoid what happened last season," said Toronto coach Butch Carter, whose team lost 13 of their last 17 games to fall out of postseason contention last year. "We have to find a way to address what is going on.".

Carter, who was bumped in the second quarter, winced as he threw a pass to Dee Brown early in the third. He was examined by team doctors and didn't return. X-rays were negative, but Carter had trouble raising his arm after the game.

He was to be reevaluated Sunday night.

Jalen Rose, who guarded Carter for most of the game, had a team-high 23.

"We all sat and watched how Vince Carter scored 51 in his NBC debut, so we didn't want to be any team's sideshow," Rose said.

The Pacers were 10-for-22 from behind the arc, while the Raptors were just 2-for-16.

Tracy McGrady, who led Toronto with 24 points, said some of his teammates have a problem with Butch Carter.

"Some of the guys are upset about playing time," McGrady said.

Carter looked miffed when told of McGrady's comments.

"I'll have to talk to Tracy," he said.

The Pacers led by 15 at the half as Perkins made four 3s, then were ahead by 16 heading into the fourth when Perkins sparked an 8-2 run with a 3-pointer. Austin Croshere followed with a 19-foot jumper over Charles Oakley, and Reggie Miller hit a 3 to give the Pacers an 85-63 lead.

Perkins' 3 with 3:50 remaining gave Indiana a 96-74 lead.

Rose said he thought Toronto looked distracted.

"Any time you drop seven of your last eight there is going to be a little uncertainty in the locker room amongst the players and the coaches," Rose said. "A lot of people are probably ready to push the panic button, but they can't get caught up in that. Once they win they'll be OK."

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