Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has been instrumental for the team's first-ever NBA championship. He had huge moments in the Finals that immediately sparked discussions on whether or not he's the second-best player on that squad. However, just like most players who've made it to the grandest stage for the first time in their careers, the three-year veteran also had some underwhelming performances.
Siakam called his up-and-down Finals series as crazy, but that he learned a lot from it.
Siakam on what he took from the ups and downs of the championship run: "Feeling like your the best in the world and then feeling like your the worst the next day. It's crazy and it's something that will stay with me for the rest of my life."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) June 16, 2019
Siakam was spectacular in the series opener against the Golden State Warriors. He finished with 32 points on a whopping 82 percent shooting from the field, eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. However, he struggled in Game 2, as he only put up 12 points on 5-18 shooting, eight boards, and five dimes. In Games 3 and 4, Siakam had 18-9-6 and 19-5-1 respectively, being a non-factor in Game 5 once again, logging 12-8-5.
But in the game that mattered the most, Siakam was also at his best. He finished with 26 points and 10 boards to help the Raptors finally take out the Warriors in Game 6, finally winning the NBA title.
Siakam is the front-runner to win Most Improved Player of the Year award this season, and he's expected to be the team's franchise player in case Kawhi Leonard leaves in free agency.
The 25-year-old big man has come a long way, but he promised Raptors fans that his breakout season is just the beginning. With Siakam leading the way, the future is definitely bright for Toronto, especially now that they will look to defend their title next season.
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