Serge Ibaka finally steps up for the Toronto Raptors

The Raptors took a 3-2 lead in their playoff matchup with the Bucks last night. While Norman Powell deserves a lot of praise for his fine play, let’s save some good words for Serge Ibaka.

Following the Raptors game 5 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, much of the plaudits were handed out to Norman Powell for his performance. Powell returned to the starting line-up after a solid outing during Game 4, and repaid the faith shown in him by scoring a playoff-career-high 25 points. The contribution for the 2015 draft pick was vital to the Raptors victory but another key contribution came from Serge Ibaka.

Ibaka was acquired mid-season from the struggling Orlando Magic to come in and bolster Toronto’s defence while offering some spacing on the offensive end as a stretch 4. For the most part, the trade has been viewed a success. Toronto did give up a first-round pick and Terrence Ross, but an NBA veteran with the skillset that Ibaka possesses was never going to come cheap. General Manager Masai Ujiri pulled the trigger on the deal as he believed in Ibaka’s ability to turn the Raptors from pretenders into contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Serge needs more consistency

Throughout the series, Ibaka has been relatively inconsistent. During the 5 games played so far, he has averaged 46% shooting for 14 points but his 3 point shot has been off, connecting with just 28% of his attempts from downtown. For the regular season, he had a 3PT% of 39. The playoffs are a different ball game, of course, and a regression is expected as looks become more often contested. But as the Bucks pack the paint for the inevitable DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry drives to the basket, guys like Ibaka will find themselves open and need to hit their uncontested shots.

Last night was the sort of performance that Toronto need from their power forward. Ibaka, who started in the centre position, was automatic in his shot making, going 8-10 and 1-3 from three point land. He finished with 19 points and 3 assists. On the defensive end, meanwhile, he had 3 blocks and 6 rebounds as the Raps finally limited the offensive boards for Milwaukee. His hustle, effort and efficiency played a big part in Toronto taking control of the series. Ibaka was finally that third star for Lowry and DeRozan which Ujiri convinced himself he was acquiring back in February.

Pretend you’re at home, Serge

What’s more surprising about Ibaka’s postseason play is the staggering difference in his performances at home and on the road. With Game 6 representing a potential close of the series for the Raptors, head coach Dwane Casey will be hoping Ibaka is able to carry his momentum into Milwaukee. It’s something he’s struggled to do thus far. In Game 3, he hit just 3 shots for 6 points. In Game 4 he had a disaster shooting night, going just 4 of 16 and missing on all 5 of his 3pt attempts. It’s unrecognizable from the Ibaka that was on the court last night. Toronto were able to take Game 4 in spite of those stat lines but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to carry that bad of a performance again.

For a player that wasn’t even on the roster 3 months ago, Ibaka is vital to Toronto’s hopes of playoff success. When he’s effective on defence and active on offense, the Raps stand a much better chance of leaving any game they play with a win. The benefits of a good Ibaka are as lengthy as the cons of a poor Ibaka. With Game 6 around the corner, and a potential matchup with last year’s champions the Cleveland Cavaliers awaiting them, the Raps need Ibaka to produce more consistent performances. Last night was a good start.