Toronto Raptors: Top 5 performances from an impressive week 3

1. Pascal Siakam

Opponent: New Orleans Pelicans

Stat line: 44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists

This game was bittersweet, to say the least. It was an easy win for the Raptors but it came at the cost of two key injuries. Part of the bittersweet victory was monster performances from OG Anunoby, and even more impressive, Pascal Siakam.

Siakam scored the Raptors first eight points and ended the first with sixteen of the Raptors 30. The onslaught continued from Siakam as the Pelicans had no answer for him. He scored another 10 points in the 2nd quarter to give him 26 points at the half. He was essential in the Raptors’ ability to a 75-53 lead.

He never let his foot off the gas as he continued to score at will as he hit another 18 points in the 2nd half to close the game in an easy blowout win.

Many people questioned Siakam’s ability to take over as a clear number one scoring option. Many wondered if his efficiency would drop as teams gameplanned and shifted their defensive attention to him every night. Just a few games in, it’s safe to say he has blown away expectations yet again.

Siakam’s taken another leap as a player. He’s significantly improved his usage and counting numbers without taking a major step back from an efficiency standpoint. Through nine games, he is averaging 27.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game on the year.

The best is yet to come as Siakam now even more opportunity with Lowry and Ibaka on the shelf. Could the reigning Most Improved Player win the award again?