5. Serge Ibaka
Opponent: Sacramento Kings
Stat line: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
The Sacramento Kings were struggling to start the season after losing Marvin Bagley III to a long-term injury early in the year. This meant that the King’s frontcourt was thin with Richaun Holmes starting and Dewayne Dedmon coming off the bench. This also meant that Ibaka had a great matchup to exploit, and that’s exactly what he did.
Ibaka was only able to tally seven points at halftime and picked up two fouls, reducing his playing time as a result. Luckily for the Ibaka and the team, they had a comfortable eight-point lead heading into the half.
Ibaka then subbed into the game with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter and looked like a man ready to protect the lead the Raptors built. He scored a quick four points and a steal to end the 3rd quarter with the Raptors up seven.
The 4th quarter is when Ibaka truly took over. With the Kings coming back from as many as 15 points to make it a one-score game, Ibaka provided the scoring punch that he has given the Raptors all season. He scored 10 points in the final frame and even assisted on an additional six.
He played the entire fourth quarter and helped will the Raptors to a win. Blowing this lead would’ve been a significant blow to the team’s confidence. Ibaka made sure that didn’t happen.
He finished with the most points, rebounds, assists, and steals off the bench for the Raptors. Unfortunately, the injury Ibaka suffered the next game against the Pelicans will derail what was looking to be a promising Sixth Man of the Year campaign.