Pascal Siakam’s consistency has been key for Toronto Raptors in first-round

Pascal Siakam has taken another step forward this postseason. So far, he’s been the Toronto Raptors most consistent player in round one.

The Toronto Raptors have had their hands full with the Orlando Magic. In their first-round playoff matchup, Orlando’s top-end defense and sporadic offense have tried the Raptors at different points. Despite that, they’ve been able to earn a 2-1 lead going into an important Game 4.

Pascal Siakam‘s play in this series has been perhaps the storyline of the Raptors postseason. In what is his first real playoff experience, he’s been one of the team’s most consistent players in terms of both scoring and effort. He’s continued his breakout season and has been the savior for Toronto in the first round.

Spicy P the Scorer

Siakam has seen a major improvement in his scoring this year, seeing an almost 10 point per game increase during the regular season (7.3 to 16.9).

He’s taken on even more of the scoring load in the postseason, averaging 24.3 points per game. His post moves, along with his ability to attack the basket off the drive, give him two different ways to get into the paint.

These first three games, Spicy P has been Toronto’s most consistent option. From Game 1, where Lowry struggled offensively, to Game 2, when everyone got buckets, and in a Game 3 where Kawhi Leonard struggled to hit a shot.

Siakam has a shooting average of 55 percent so far, which is higher than both Lowry and Leonard. Game 3 he took control, saving a Raptor offense that seemed sluggish throughout.

He has been able to be the low-post threat that Toronto needs in a series like this, as his length and athleticism allow him to have his way with Orlando’s forwards. His three-point shot hasn’t been it’s in its best, but he does hit that occasional three-ball in the corner to keep the defense honest.

He put the Raptors on his back in and dominated Game 3, putting up a playoff career-high 30 points and taking advantage of mismatches in the post. Orlando has been of the league’s best defensive teams the second half of the season, but Siakam is giving them matchup nightmares. He was the Raptors knight in shining armor at the most opportune times.

Pascal has lived in the paint, using a variety of moves to get to his spots. He has proven that he can get a bucket on his own and can handle taking the shot in the high tension moments. His increased scoring allows the rest of his game to flourish as well.

The Complete Package

His scoring is one thing, but Siakam’s ability to affect the game in other ways is what makes him so important for the Toronto Raptors. Pascal’s ability to do it all on the court has helped the Raptors manage tight game situations.

His ability to make plays for others has been big in this series. A three assists per game average might not seem like much, but his passing is better than the numbers would indicate.

His rebounding has been impactful as well. He’s averaging over 2.5 offensive rebounds per game, giving the Raptors more second chances against a tough Magic defense. His 30 point and 11 rebound game was the first for Toronto since Chris Bosh.

With the impact he has made offensively, sometimes it’s easy to forget about Pascal’s defense. Game 3 he had the Magic on lockdown, as they were 5-15 from the floor when Siakam was the primary defender.

If Siakam is defending just as well as he is scoring, the Raptors will be put in a great position to take a grip on the series Sunday.

Savior Siakam

Kyle Lowry‘s game one struggles had people worrying if this is the usual Raptors playoff nightmares coming back.

Siakam is a key part in making sure those Raptors nightmares are gone and people can feel confident about Toronto moving forward.

His steady dose of offense has been very important in the series, making up for shooting struggles of other key players throughout a game. It’s a small sample size, but he’s been the savior for the Raptors offense so far this postseason.

Nick Nurse can feel comfortable running his offense through Siakam at times because his ability to draw in defenses will give opportunities to Danny Green, Lowry, and others for three-point opportunities. With the offensive struggles some player have had, Nurse sees Siakam as a reliable option, and he should continue this moving into game four.

Siakam will be looked to again on Sunday to be the workhorse down low, as he has averaged the most two-point shot attempts on his team (16.3). It is important to get him started early, as he scored five of the Raptors ten points to start Game 3.

Lowry has had a bad game, Leonard has had a bad game, but Siakam has been the consistent threat. Shooting struggles haven’t been an issue for him, and that’s something that has kept the Raptors in control of this series.

Game 4 is Sunday at 7 p.m. on TNT, and the need to win for both sides is huge. Toronto wants to put the series away, and Orlando wants to avoid the dreaded 1-3 hole.

The Magic are sure to give the Toronto all they can handle, but if needed, Siakam will be there to save the day. Spicy P’s play has been great all season and in this series, it has been the difference maker.