Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Wizards

2. Raps get a “Serge” from their starting power forward

Say it with me: The Raptors don’t win Game 1 without Serge Ibaka. Their rotation is often interchangeable outside of their two stars due to the depth they possess. At almost every spot, Toronto has a reserve ready and willing to pick up the slack if needed.

They didn’t need it at the power forward position Saturday.

Ibaka led his team in scoring (tying John Wall for a game-high 23 points) and led the entire team in rebounding with 12. With Lowry and DeMar DeRozan struggling most of the night, Serge was the true hero Toronto needed.

We shouldn’t expect consistent performances like this from the big man, but with some calling for his job it was definitely a good sign going forward.