Toronto Raptors: How Every Player Helped Win The NBA Championship

SERGE IBAKA

From the beginning of the season until the end, there’s not a player whose role changed more. He went from starting at center to consistently coming off the bench and playing well. When the playoffs rolled around, his role diminished even more.

Fewer minutes can often lead to a drop in efficiency and a struggle to have the type of energy Serge Ibaka brings to the table. Even more than that energy, Ibaka’s chemistry building an addition to culture strengthened the Raptors which always helps come playoff time.

His off the bench spark rolled over to the rest of the team as he blocked shots, snagged offensive rebounds and slammed it home whenever he had a chance. Those hustle plays were felt even more in Toronto as the crowd fed off those plays which made it that much tougher for opponents to play here.

Just like with FVV, Ibaka providing his own production from the bench made the Raps unstoppable. In the 10 games he scored 10+ points, their record was 9-1.

Statistically speaking, his best series the NBA Finals. In games four, five and six, he put up 20 points, 15 points, and another 15 points respectively. When hitting his short – mid range jumpers it gave him more room inside, especially against the weak big man rotation in Golden State.

Signature Moment: Grabbing the offensive board dunking and screaming in Giannis’ face