Toronto Raptors star forward Pascal Siakam turned in his highest scoring output since returning from injury. In their 118-112 victory over the New York Knicks, Siakam scored 23 points. Despite heading towards the right direction with this game, the Cameroonian believes he still has a long way to go to returning to the form he had pre-injury.
Per Scott Rafferty of NBA.com.
“I mean, I don't think I felt my best, but I just think I had a little push, a little bit more – like just in transition, running a little bit more,” Siakam responded. “Little things on defence also, moving better.
“I think it's getting there. I don't think my energy has been at the level that I want it to be, but you spend a month without playing basketball. You can't simulate that. There's no way to practice or run or do anything to match the speed of the game. I expected it. I just have to do a better job.”
Siakam was recently named as an All-Star starter this weekend. He scored 23 points on Friday night, going 9-of-15 from the field. He also finished with two triples, seven rebounds, and three assists in the win.
The 25-year old missed 11 games spanning from December to January with a groin injury. Since returning to the floor, Siakam has struggled to regain the rhythm he had pre-injury.
In his first 27 games before the injury, Siakam put up All-Star worthy averages of 25.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He also shot 45.7 percent from the field and an efficient 39.2 percent from three. In contrast, his numbers in the six games prior to Friday night since his return dipped to 16.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. All while shooting just 43.7 percent from the field and a sour 20.0 percent from long-range.
Perhaps Friday's performance can finally get the 2018-19 Most Improved Player back on track.
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