2. Raptors’ supporting cast steps up big time
Kawhi Leonard has been just what the doctor ordered for the Raptors in these playoffs. He had posted 11 30-point outings and is averaging 30.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per outing on 50 percent shooting, with a couple of memorable moments thrown in for good measure as well.
KAWHI. GAME 7. FOR THE WIN. pic.twitter.com/MH9CBjQ2uK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2019
As good as Leonard has been for most of the Raptors’ postseason run, the question was how Toronto would fare in this matchup if Leonard wasn’t dropping 30 a game. Well, the supporting cast answered that question.
Siakam went off for 32 points (on 14-for-17 shooting) to go along with eight boards, five dimes and two blocks. This included an impressive 14-point outburst in the third quarter while making all six of his shot attempts.
In shooting 82 percent from the field, Siakam became just the seventh player in NBA history to score at least 30 points while converting 82 percent of his attempts in a Finals game.
Pascal Siakam (32 PTS, 14-17 FGM - 82.4%) is the 7th player in #NBAFinals history to score 30+ points on 80% shooting or better. The only other players to accomplish this feat are:
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) May 31, 2019
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
James Worthy
Adrian Dantley
Michael Jordan
Toni Kukoc
Shaquille O'Neal pic.twitter.com/LeC2u20SUd
Marc Gasol, who hasn’t averaged in double figures in any round of these playoffs, chimed in with 20 points, seven rebound and a pair of steals. He shot 6-for-10 from the floor and knocked down two his four looks from beyond the arc.
Super-sub Fred VanVleet continued his recent solid play as of late, scoring 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting and he extended his double-digit scoring streak to four games.
Being that Leonard didn’t have a spectacular evening (23 points on just 5-for-14 shooting), this could potentially be a bad omen for the Dubs if the Raptors’ role players continue having this kind of an impact.