Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam’s breakout performance in Game 3 encouraging

The Toronto Raptors have a commanding 3-0 lead over the Brooklyn Nets but more importantly, Pascal Siakam produced his best performance of the post-season.

For the past few weeks, many have been waiting for Pascal Siakam to deliver a statement performance for the Toronto Raptors and he provided that in their 117-92 win in Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets.

If you haven’t realized yet, the Toronto Raptors have been in control for the majority of this first-round series but that hasn’t come without some question marks, most have been pointed towards Siakam’s play. It doesn’t help that he was shooting just 37.5 per cent heading into Game 3.

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A big third quarter where he had 14 of his 26 points ensured that the Raptors had no doubt of a victory heading into the final frame. Siakam also added eight rebounds and five assists to go along with an 11-of-23 performance from the field.

In a time where Fred VanVleet has been stealing most of the headlines. and most deserving considering his dynamic play, Siakam’s emergence is exactly what this team needs going forward. You can be sure that Nick Nurse has played a big part in ensuring Siakam gets back on track especially offensively where turnovers and questionable decision making with the ball have plagued the 26-year-old.

"“I’m worried about winning, and I think every way that I can help my team win, that’s what I’m going to do,” Siakam told the reporters after the game. “I think for a lot of people, it’s always about makes and misses — for me it’s not about that. It’s about continuing to have the same focus and energy, continuing to get to my spots and taking the shots that I want to take, and live with the results. … So, I just gotta let the game come to me, continue to play, have fun out there, and enjoy playing with my teammates, play hard on defence, and the rest is just going to take care of itself.”"

Another encouraging develpment has been Serge Ibaka’s production off the bench. Playing 23 minutes, Ibaka had 20 points and 13 rebounds which shows the level of depth this Raptors team has and why it’s been a tough balancing act to follow by the Nets who simply can’t match what the Raptors are bringing.

Now with a chance to move on Sunday, the Raptors can only hope that what they have seen for most of the series can continue. They will likely take on the Boston Celtics in the second round and seeing how their stars are taking care of business against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Raptors are going to need all hands on deck.

What did you think about the Raptors performance during Game 3? Can they close out the series? Let us know in the comments below.