"Danny Granger who?

Not even Granger's immature antics could stop the Indiana Pacers (8-3) from improving to their best start since 2004.

George Hill had his best game as a Pacer to help them overcome Granger's ejection and a 16-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors 95-90 Friday night at Air Canada Centre.

"I'm proud of our guys for grinding out a game that didn't really go our way," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said.

Hill, who has found an offensive rhythm over the past week, carried the Pacers offensively all night.

The former Broad Ripple High School and IUPUI star scored 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. He scored 13 points in the second half when the Pacers made their comeback against the Raptors.

"Ball movement," Hill said about why he played so well. "I got in a rhythm, the ball swung around, everyone worked together. We knew we were shorthanded losing Danny. Points had to come from somewhere. Everyone had each other's back, and it worked out for the best."

Granger, who was coming off a 24-point performance against Atlanta two nights earlier, was never into the game.

He drew his first technical for arguing a no-call on a drive to the basket less than three minutes into the game."