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Stock up, Stock down as Raptors difficult opening stretch ends

By Mike Luciano

MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 22: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a missed basket against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at FTX Arena on October 22, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 22: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors reacts after a missed basket against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at FTX Arena on October 22, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors navigated a very challenging stretch to begin the season with plenty of aplomb and flair. Despite seven matchups against teams expected to be in the playoffs, Toronto came out of it with a 4-3 record amid some injury problems.

Things aren’t getting too much easier in the week ahead. Taking on a Spurs team off to a surprising 5-2 start, the dangerous Mavericks, and a Bulls team on back-to-back nights will not be the easiest challenge in the world for a team that is still struggling with a lack of depth.

At least they’re heading into these games with some momentum. After splitting with the 76ers at home, the Raptors had their best game of the season as they absolutely pulverized the Atlanta Hawks by forcing Trae Young into 10 turnovers. This helped keep the vibes and morale strong.

In this period of relative success, where the Raptors have won three of their last four, a handful of players are performing very well. As their stock goes up, some players will inevitably spit the bit when needed and see their stock take a slight downward turn.

Stock up, Stock down after Raptors 4-3 start.

Stock up: Pascal Siakam

The Raptors have plenty of players who could win impressive individual honors this season, but Siakam is without question the best of them all. The performances we’ve seen are pushing him that much closer toward the more elite superstar tier he has been chasing.

In the last three games, Siakam has recorded 77 points, 27 rebounds, and 25 assists, leading the Raptors to wins in two of these games. Scottie Barnes believes that Pascal should be in the MVP race, and it’s hard to argue that someone with his skills should be excluded from the debate.

The Toronto Raptors have a superstar in Pascal Siakam.

Siakam has taken on the role of top distributor in addition to the team’s leading rebounder and passer. Due to his ability to fill in for VanVleet as a primary ball-handler, he has become the third player in the league to record 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists so far. James Harden and Luka Doncic are the other two.

The Raptors have given Siakam the freedom to be the team’s lynchpin on both sides of the ball, and the early returns have been so promising that Siakam will be embedded in the MVP debate until someone with better stats unseats him. Toronto couldn’t ask for a better start.

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