Toronto Raptors: Top five performances from a perfect week 14

3. Pascal Siakam

Opponent: New York Knicks

Stat line: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block

This game was special for Pascal Siakam, not because of the game itself but, rather, because it was the first game since he was announced as a starter for the All-Star game. Emotions must have been running wild for Siakam, though, he had to keep his composure ahead of Toronto’s game at Madison Square Garden.

It wasn’t a great start for Siakam in this one. He finished the first quarter with only four points and three rebounds as the Raptors were struggling early, down eight after one. While it was more of the same for Siakam, only able to score four points in the second quarter, the team stepped it up as a whole and was able to build a three-point lead heading into halftime.

Maybe it was the halftime rest, or perhaps, something Nick Nurse said, but Siakam picked up his performance right out of halftime, scoring eight points in the third quarter to go with four rebounds and three assists. Toronto led by six points after 36 minutes.

Siakam continued his form in the final frame and chipped in with seven more points as the Raptors were able to keep the Knicks at bay and keep their winning ways going.

Once again, Pascal Siakam deserves a huge pat on the back for his first All-Star nod. He has played at an elite level this season and has thrived as the number one option on the now second-seeded Raptors. The future remains bright for this young stud.