The Raptors return home riding the wave of a 4-1 road trip, ignited by a victory in Atlanta and capped off by a successful stay in Indianapolis.

While it’s true the Raptors have been playing well, keep in mind Toronto’s opponents have not been good. During their road swing, the Raptors played two opponents whose combined win total was two, including Saturday night’s foe in the Indiana Pacers.

But as long as this group continues to mature and remains on the same page, far more wins than losses will be achieved this season, regardless of the quality of the opposition.

Following their 129-111 win over the Pacers, the Raptors improved to 8-5, including a 6-3 road record, by winning their seventh game in their past eight. And those numbers figure to improve based on the favourable schedule that awaits.

A couple of areas that need refinement involve three-point shooting and rebounding. However, Toronto’s bench has stepped up, while the members of the starting unit, by far the strength of the Raptors, have taken turns elevating their game.

When they’re pushing the pace, the Raptors are at their best. When they’re scoring is balanced, they are tough to defend. And with Brandon Ingram, they’ve got a shot-maker and shot creator when the game is played in the half-court.

No one expected Scottie Barnes to follow up arguably his finest game — 28 points in Cleveland on Wednesday — by posting another gem, but it would have been encouraging had he.

The Raptors did reveal that Barnes, who finished with 14 points, had tied Vince Carter for the franchise record in recording at least one block and one steal in a career-high nine successive games.

The following are three takeaways on a night the Raptors scored 101 points through three quarters, including 39 in the third period, and seven players reached double figures in scoring.

Point Counterpoint

Immanuel Quickley, by now, should not be viewed as that ideal complement for Barnes many had foolishly projected when the Raptors and Knicks completed their blockbuster. Meanwhile, Jamal Shead is a decent backup point guard who continues to grow. His biggest asset is his willingness to accept his role and never complain.

And then there’s Aurora’s Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers. The kid is a throwback point guard who leads and controls the game’s flow, but he’s also embraced the modern role of looking to score.

Under no circumstance would the Pacers ever contemplate a trade that would see Nembhard and Quickley exchange jerseys.

Anyone who has paid the slightest attention to the Raptors should be able to tell that an upgrade at the point position is required for this franchise to take that next step.

Perhaps Quickley does evolve into that guy. But his quick trigger has to be harnessed.

As for Nembhard, he never takes a possession off and, when a defensive challenge is presented, he seems to always rise to the occasion.

When it comes to defence, Quickley is nowhere near as good as Nembhard and likely never will.

Late Start Ain’t Great

A troublesome sign quickly emerged following the evening’s opening tip.

The one-win Pacers went with a starting group not even the most ardent hoops fan would remotely recognize.

The Raptors were coming off a big win in Cleveland and didn’t exactly have to travel far. And yet the Raptors looked disjointed and disinterested. In other words, they played down to their opposition. To be even more blunt, the Raptors took the Pacers for granted.

Good teams don’t take their time in imposing their will against an inferior foe. They compete hard right from the tip. Until they’re able to dominate a weakened team from the start, doubts will remain.

Talent-wise, the Pacers could not match up with the Raptors but Indiana jumped out to a 22-12 lead on a Nembhard three-pointer.

To trail a putrid Pacers team by double digits was simply inexcusable. But Toronto recovered and led by nine points at intermission.

Poeltl’s progress

There was nothing wrong with Jakob Poeltl’s 22-point, nine-rebound game with much more to follow if the big man is able to avoid the injury bug.

Injury has been Poeltl’s biggest bugaboo. When he’s healthy, and his play indicates his health has improved, his presence is indispensable.

The Raptors took complete control early in the second half because of Poeltl and his patented rolls to the basket. He facilitates from the high post and his soft hands serve him well when finishing around the rim.

His shot put-like jumper has yet to be unlocked. But with Ingram on the floor, Poeltl can limit his shot selection to within five feet of the basket.

Converting from the line would help or the hack-a-Jak will be in effect, which the Pacers initiated on a couple of possessions in the fourth quarter.

Up Next

The road- warrior Raptors return home for a Monday night tip against the Charlotte Hornets. The Bugs aren’t good, but they can be fun to watch with LaMelo Ball back in the lineup following a five-game injury absence. The explosive point guard and sharp-shooting rookie Kon Knueppel form a promising backcourt tandem.

fzicarelli@postmedia.com