Toronto Raptors: Top five performances from perfect week 15

5. Serge Ibaka

Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers

Stat line: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block, 71 FG%

After hearing the bad news about Marc Gasol, this team needed Serge Ibaka to pick up the slack at the center position. Although Ibaka does not have the playmaking ability of Gasol, he has proven that he can score in bunches, especially from mid-range. The chemistry he has with Kyle Lowry is special, and it was on display in this game.

Cleveland possesses plenty of big bodies in the paint, with Tristan Thompson and Larry Nance Jr, but both were unable to contain Ibaka. He put up 26 points in the win, 13 in each half.

And if his offensive output wasn’t enough, Ibaka also put on a clinic on the defensive end, stymying Tristan Thompson. He limited Thompson to 25 percent shooting, resulting in a two-point performance for the Toronto native.

As a starter, Ibaka is averaging 18.2 points, 9.1 rebounds, 0.9 blocks per game. Time and time again this year, even at 30 years old, Ibaka has shown he can dominate. Even when Gasol returns, don’t expect Ibaka to play fewer minutes; Nurse has been more than willing to play the two big men together this season, and the results have been good for the most part.

Had All-Star voting been starting now, Ibaka’s name would be near the top of the ballet, he’s playing that well. Keeping him fresh for the postseason is a must for Toronto, and that’s why Gasol’s return status is critical. The Raptors can’t afford to have him miss much time, though, Chris Boucher has impressed in a bigger role. He and Ibaka are the Raptors’ two fives at the moment.