Key takeaways from the Toronto Raptors loss against the Pelicans

#3: Need more from Pascal

In his return after being benched due to “disciplinary measures”, Pascal Siakam didn’t provide the performance that was needed. Only four minutes into the fourth quarter, Pascal received his sixth foul, which resulted in him fouling out of the game.

Siakam finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 turnovers on a game-low -16. This is an unacceptable performance from a franchise player, especially considering the circumstances Siakam was coming off of.

The Raptors need to figure out how they can bring out the Pascal Siakam of old. The last time Siakam was in New Orleans he had 44 points, this time around offensively he just looked a step slow. He wasn’t able to get to his spots on offense, and it was more due to his inability to score rather than the pressure given by New Orleans.

After showing some bright spots with his shooting from beyond-the-arc in the first few games, Siakam went on to miss all four of his attempts from three. Siakam needs to play much better for Toronto to be successful. As the number one player on the Raptors, Siakam needs to provide more of a lift on offense.

After Siakam fouled out, the Raptors were a +7. Toronto looked like a better team when Siakam was off the court. Toronto has now dropped to 1-4 and needs Siakam to perform better to turn it around. Whatever basketball demons that Siakam is battling, he needs to overcome them quickly, or else this will be another disappointing season for the Raptors.