Bismack Biyombo Leaving His Mark on Conference Finals

Not many would have predicted that a place in the NBA Finals could be decided by a 23-year-old center named Bismack Biyombo.

When Bismack Biyombo signed for the Raptors last summer on a 2-year, $5.75million contract, there wasn’t a great deal of celebration. Up until this point in his career, the player hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo hadn’t shown any sign that he’d be able to have a great impact on any NBA team’s championship hopes. Brought in as a back-up center to Jonas Valanciunas, Biyombo’s signing didn’t look like one which would affect the Raptors’ chances of a deep playoff run. However, as we head into Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Biyombo has produced some unbelievable performances whenever Toronto have found themselves with their backs against the wall.

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In games 1 and 2 at the Quicken Loans Arena, Biyombo seemed to struggle at first with the extended minutes and larger role he was given as a result of Valanciunas’ injury. He was constantly pulled out to the perimeter as the Cavaliers began knocking down 3 pointer after another. Biyombo, the number 7 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, is more comfortable sitting in the paint, waiting for the opportunity to affect any opponent who drives to the basket. It became obvious that the Raptors were missing the presence of a rim-protector when Channing Frye was in the game, due to Biyombo having to cover him away from the basket. Cleveland was able to take full advantage of this in the fourth quarter of Game 4, when they hit 10 baskets in a row as a result of Biyombo’s absence from the paint. They ran plays directed at getting what they wanted in the paint and the Congolese center was unable to affect their offensive momentum. His two blocks on LeBron James in this series, deemed as fouls, showed his ability to contest with just about anyone on the court. While the denial on Kevin Love’s attempted slam dunk came at a time when the Cavs were threatening to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

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It hasn’t taken head coach Dwane Casey long to experiment with Biyombo’s athleticism. His quick movement allows him to cover LeBron in the post, or away from the paint. Toronto was in need of some sort of relief from James’ passing ability and magnificent court vision, a primary reason that the Cavs 3-point attack is so successful. Even if LeBron gets the shot up and over Biyombo, it’s a chance the Raptors have to be willing to take. You’ll allow LeBron to shoot that shot all game long if it means you’re keeping him from posting up, driving to the basket or creating shots for his teammates. Having Biyombo guard him achieves this aim the majority of the time for Toronto while it also allows the center to stay close enough to the rim.

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) grabs a rebound above forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in the fourth quarter of a 105-99 win over Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounding is arguably Biyombo’s greatest strength which has been seen in the last two wins. Game 1 was a dismal display in terms of grabbing boards for Biyombo, as he was only able to pull down 4 rebounds, which he slightly bettered in the next game with a total of 5. Game 3 brought about a much different performance however, with a franchise record of 26 rebounds in a playoff game. By staying much closer to the rim and putting his 7’6” wingspan to use, he’s also been able to accumulate 7 blocks. A team is never more vulnerable than when they give up an offensive rebound, but Biyombo’s performances in the last two matches have contained the opponent’s biggest strength which greatly helps the Raptors chances of winning this series.

The elephant in the room at this stage is whether or not Biyombo ends up back in Toronto following what promises to be a crazy summer with the increasing of the salary cap. For now, however, we can only focus on the Eastern Conference Finals where there’s no doubt regarding the impact of the Congolese center.