It’s clear that Siakam has been struggling since the NBA restart, but yesterday, especially in the third quarter we saw Siakam be a positive on offense for the Toronto Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors have been nothing short of entertaining since entering the bubble. Their 7-1 record in the seeding games and sweep over the Brooklyn Nets have given fans a lot to be ecstatic about. OG Anunoby‘s game-winning shot has also helped with keeping Raptors fans hopeful. However, there is one thing that has left all of us with constant disappointment, and that is Pascal Siakam.
Watching Siakam play recently is like trying to watch a fish climb a tree. Siakam is trying to do just about everything but that means doing a lot of things he’s just not that great at. Needless to say, it is just hyperbole, Siakam is more than just a fish in a bowl. He’s shown to be a diverse player with a unique skillset and there is a reason he was an All-Star this season.
However, his game right now seems forced and the results continuously fail, it might be time for Siakam to simplify his game and go back to what made him so great. Things like being a great cutter, a threat from corner three, and most importantly scoring around the rim.
Toronto Raptors: Siakam is finally going to the rim
Before yesterday’s game, Pascal Siakam has only attempted three shots in the restricted area. An area where he has shot the ball the most from this season, shooting at an elite rate of 64.2 percent. We know Brad Stevens and the Celtics like to close in on Siakam and limit his space when he does have the ball, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible for him to get to the rim — look at Lowry yesterday.
In the second half alone in Game 3, Siakam had himself six attempts in the restricted area and scoring on four of those attempts. Providing the Toronto Raptors with a much-needed scoring boost in the half.
Watching Siakam’s shot location in the second half was a breath of fresh air. Mainly because 63 percent (20 of 32) of Siakam’s shots in Games 1 and 2 came from one of the least efficient places on the court, in the paint outside of the restricted area at a low rate of 35 percent. In Game 3, he only shot two shots from that location.
Siakam’s improved shot location, as a result, was due to him posting up less but when he did he got himself all the way to the rim instead of settling for a poor shot. He also cut to the rim more than the previous games and also had nicer passes on his drive and kicks.
One bright side of Siakam posting up is that the Celtics defense has gotten used to defending Siakam in preparation for a post up, so that leaves the defender facing the wrong side when he does cut thus resulting in an easy basket. This is an area Siakam can exploit a bit more moving forward.
Simple plays like these are things that increased Siakam’s value so much during last season’s playoff run. Doing the right plays at the right time without making plays looking so forced.
Toronto Raptors: The shot will fall eventually
Of course, getting his three-point shot going would greatly benefit the Raptors. So far in the playoffs, Siakam is only shooting at a 25 percent clip on almost five attempts per game. The only way for Siakam to get his shot is to continue shooting of course. But it shouldn’t be an above the break three or a wing three, it should be back where he made a name for himself: the corner three.
Maybe knocking just a few jumpers from the corner is the confidence he needs to open up his game up more again. We saw him stand in the corner a bit more in Game 3 and it resulted in a more open floor and more room to cut.
What to expect in Game 4
After OG Anunoby’s season-saving shot, the Raptors are going to need everything they can get from Pascal Siakam. Perhaps learning from what Kyle Lowry did in Game 3. Lowry knew his shot wasn’t falling so he changed his style up and drove to the rim possession after possession.
If Siakam can adapt that same aggressiveness Lowry had in Game three, then we can expect an exciting game from Siakam. This can lead to more open looks for guys when he is driving and kicking, more free throws which also means putting the opponent in foul trouble, and last but not least, more baskets for Pascal.
So we can only hope to expect a much more aggressive Siakam coming for Game 4 because the Toronto Raptors are going to need all they get from him if they want a chance to win the series against the Boston Celtics.