After the Raptors' confidence-inspiring win over heavy favourites, the Boston Celtics, I condensed all my thoughts in to three major takeaways from the game.
1. Pascal Siakam Might Just Be a Regular Starter
After I predicted third-year power forward Pascal Siakam to be primarily a bench player, he's started the first two games of the season for the Raptors. I know he's good, great even, but I just think he fits better with that bench unit of Fred VanVleet, Delon Wright, Norman Powell, and CJ Miles.
However, if things keep up like this, he will be a regular starter, so he had better get used to playing with that unit quick.
Regardless of who he plays with, I know Siakam can have a positive effect on the game, and I look forward to seeing it happen.
2. Kawhi Looks Like an MVP Candidate
After putting up his second double-double of the season on the Celtics, Kawhi Leonard is back to looking like an MVP candidate, similar to the form he was in before Zaza Pachulia injured him in the 2017 Western Conference Finals, when he was playing with the Spurs.
He posted 31 points and 10 boards in 36 minutes, and helped to lock up Gordon Hayward and second-year sensation Jayson Tatum.
I know it's only been two games, and I know I'm overreacting, but this guy looks like an MVP.
3. Serge Had Possibly His Best Performance as a Raptor
Serge Ibaka was traded to the Raptors from Orlando in 2017, and has not once looked as good as the Serge of OKC.
Tonight was a different story. Serge scored 26 points and grabbed 6 boards, many of which were crucial and on the offensive end. He remains a force around the rim, deterring opposing guards to take it to the rack.
If Ibaka keeps up this play, it might just force the Raptors to re-consider trading him, which they have considered doing several times in the past.