Toronto Raptors: Emergence of Serge Ibaka key to Raptors’ success

Quarterbacking the reserves

Fred VanVleet’s struggles have been well documented throughout the postseason. Toronto had been in dire need of a leader on its secondary unity. However, Ibaka has stepped up to be just that and more.

Serge scored all 12 of Toronto’s points off the bench in Game 4’s victory. Through the first three games, the reserves had combined for just 26 points. In Game 4 and 5, Ibaka gave Toronto something they had been missing: Significant secondary scoring.

Since transitioning into his new role Ibaka’s defense has also improved. He is biting less on pump fakes and staying grounded. Rather than chase a block he is showing the importance of positioning and forcing the opponent into bad shots.

Ibaka’s presence has also given Toronto some of their most efficient lineups. When Ibaka plays in place of Marc Gasol the Raptors have an offensive rating of 130.5. When he plays in place of Pascal Siakam the Raptors have an offensive rating of 103.7.

Toronto is currently lacking secondary scoring. However, if Ibaka can stay consistent it will make Nick Nurse less hesitant to deploy a 6-man rotation.

The “bench mob” has not been the “bench mob” since last year. However, Serge is going to carry the offensive load until his teammates come around. Norman Powell and VanVleet are both due for breakout games in this series.