Pacers Silent About Silencing Toronto Guards

They're choosing their words carefully, refusing to come off as offensive about their defense and say something that pokes a sleeping Raptor.

Something is going on, though, whether the Pacers want to admit it or not.

Toronto's All-Star guards, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, have not had All-Star caliber performances in their first-round playoff series. Splicing the argument along the lines of great defense and poor shooting is impossible, but the numbers provide a bottom line.

Lowry, who averaged 21.2 points on 43 percent shooting during the regular season, is averaging 15.5 points on 32 percent shooting after four games against the Pacers. DeRozan, who averaged 23.5 points on 45 percent…