Toronto Raptors: Stock Take, plus Terence Davis turns it around

Serge Ibaka

In the prolonged absence of Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka has continuously stepped up as the starting center. This week was another timely reminder that Ibaka is more than able to handle a heavy workload as the starter for a contending team.

Ibaka went on a tear this week averaging 20.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 block per game over the last three games, shooting 54-percent from the field and 80-percent from three. His run of double-doubles stretches back seven games, starting with the win against the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day, which is now a career-best run from Mafuzzy Chef.

The Raptors needed Ibaka to be on another level this week, and he abided. His energy on the glass – on both ends of the court – was infectious, grabbing boards, protecting the rim, and swatting away shots. His three-point shooting was on point all week too as Ibaka only missed one three against Portland Trail Blazers.

With Rondae Hollis-Jefferson promoted to the starting lineup against Portland, Ibaka changed the way he played to accommodate the Raptors’ needs. As we know, Hollis-Jefferson’s offensive game is a little, let’s say, specific. He doesn’t possess a jump shot and most of his points came from lay-ups and dunks around the rim.

For him to be effective, Ibaka needed to stretch out his game to avoid clogging the paint, which he did to great effect, despite losing.

Against the Hornets, only Serge Ibaka was on the level of our top player this week. Ibaka had 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, despite looking absolutely gassed on the second night of a back-to-back.

After missing three free throws earlier in the game, Ibaka came up big with the two game-winning free throws to seal the win for the Raptors. That oughta do it.

VERDICT: STOCK UP