Raptors Rapture
Fansided

Healthy roster and synergy key to Toronto Raptors’ excellent January

By William Ricks

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 10: Kyle Lowry #7 hi-fiives Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 10: Kyle Lowry #7 hi-fiives Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors during Game Five of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors – Serge Ibaka (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Player of the Month

When it comes to the Player of the Month Award for January, there is no player more deserving than Serge Ibaka. The big man has been sensational all month and is a key piece in Toronto’s win streak and overall amazing month. With Marc Gasol being in and out of the lineup, Ibaka has gotten more minutes to work with and he has made the most of them. He has been something to behold and teams have had no answer for him.

Ibaka produced his highest-scoring month of the season, putting up 17.4 points per game in January. He has had six twenty point performances, and he is shooting the ball really well. He is touting an outstanding effective field goal percentage of 60.5 percent. His offensive rating is his highest of any month this season (114). Ma Fuzzy has been ballin’ and putting in some serious work for the Raptors.

Serge has also been decent on the boards, averaging about eight a game. He has had seven double-doubles this month and is getting roughly two offensive boards per game. Those offensive boards are very useful and provide Toronto with second-chance opportunities.

The most commendable thing about Ibaka’s month is that he didn’t miss a game. He was 15 for 15  and that was so important for Toronto. The Raptors’ bigs have had limited bodies to work with, but Ibaka stepped up and has provided priceless minutes. He has also been solid defensively, getting involved with rejection here and there. He is putting in work with his 28.6 minutes, the highest amount of minutes in a month this season.

The play of Ibaka is making it more likely that Toronto won’t look to deal him at the deadline. The feeling is that Ujiri and the front office want to keep him. WIth how he has played throughout January, Ibaka shouldn’t feel too concerned about his name popping up in any more rumours before the 3 p.m. cutoff. He will be a key piece coming down the stretch run of the Raptors’ season.

Serge Ibaka’s consistency and offensive hot streak are why he’s my choice for player of the month. He was awesome and gave a boost to the Raptors offence that has been the difference. While Gasol gets healthy, Ibaka will have the opportunity to continue his exceptional play. This month was all about Air Congo and his hard work is recognized with this award.

Home/Raptors News