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Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from big win over Golden State Warriors

By Paul Taylor

Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – JULY 27: Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors takes in the BIG3 three on three basketball league at Scotiabank Arena on July 27, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/BIG3/Getty Images) /

2) Pascal Siakam continues to grow

This has undoubtedly been a breakout season for Pascal Siakam. He is now a regular starter in the lineup and Nick Nurse’s faith in him has been returned, with plenty of interest.

While it is still early in the season, Siakam is well on course for career-bests pretty much across the board. And he continued his fine form on Thursday night, with the best performance so far of his young career.

The 24-year-old was clearly in a zone with his shooting, as he made eight of 10 shots, including three of four from long range. He also made seven of his eight attempts from the charity stripe and by the end of the night, he had scored a career-high 26 points.

This was the type of game which was important for Siakam’s development. It showed his ability and aggressiveness to step up in big games against one of the NBA’s elite, rather than wilt under the pressure of the occasion.

And given the way the night played out, every single one of the 2016 first round draft pick’s points were vital. It will be interesting to see if Thursday evening proves to be a galvanizing moment for the young player in respect of taking his offensive game to another level. (Admittedly, Siakam didn’t have as much impact as usual on the boards, but more on this shortly.)

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