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Serge Ibaka powered the Toronto Raptors to their first Game 1 victory in any playoff series since 2001 — when Vince Carter was still with the team. The defensive-minded power forward scored 23 points to lead Toronto while grabbing 12 rebounds and rejecting a couple of shots.
Ibaka displayed his versatile game for a big man, knocking down 3-of-4 shots from long distance. After the game, he also showed off his versatile tongue at the podium.
Three languages — English, French, and Spanish. All from one person, in succession.
Ibaka was raised in the Republic of Congo. His family faced hardships while growing up and he eventually found himself in France as a teenager but it didn't take long before Ibaka went to Spain.
The Raptors big man is currently a naturalized player for the Spanish national basketball team, having participated in a number of FIBA tournaments.
Ibaka is one of the main men whom Toronto will rely upon this postseason. The team enjoyed their best regular season in franchise history and anything short of an NBA Finals appearance will be considered as a disappointment north of the border.
The Raptors are up against a tough Washington Wizards team who always bring the fight to their games. That's not going to be a problem for Ibaka, though, as he's been known not to back up when the going gets tough.
