Subscribe
Follow Us
After being a non-factor for five out of six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka stepped up in Game 7. The Congolese national scored 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and went 3 of 5 from distance. He ended up playing nearly as many minutes as starter Danny Green and took his spot in the lineup in the game's final minutes.
Instead of being bitter at being benched for most of the fourth, Green complimented his teammate's contribution. In an interview with Eric Koreen of The Athletic, Green pointed out Ibaka's clutch shooting:
“Kind of looked like me out there in the corner one time. A little pump fake, swing through and no-dribble shot. I’ve never seen him do that one before.”
Green is referring to a key three Serge Ibaka hit in the fourth quarter. The make increased the Raptors' lead to five with under 10 minutes left in the game.
While Serge Ibaka has never been considered a sharpshooter, he is certainly capable of knocking down the open three.
After attempting zero 3-point shots in his first three seasons, Ibaka has transformed himself into a 36 percent lifetime 3-point shooter. Now, defenses are forced to respect the big man's shooting ability.
While Ibaka might never be a shooter of Green's caliber, he came through when it counted most. Raptors fans will hope he can build off Game 7 and continue to be a force off the bench.
