NBA Playoffs: 6 X-factors for Toronto Raptors vs. Brooklyn Nets

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 08: Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball as Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 08, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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NBA playoffs, Raptors, Nets (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

Serge Ibaka

It is easy to overlook Serge Ibaka. After a solid career as the fourth option with the Oklahoma City Thunder and some mostly anonymous years with the Orlando Magic and Toronto, he has been comfortable in a more ancillary role for the reigning champions. But just because he has fallen off the radar for fans does not mean he has stopped making an impact.

Ibaka is actually having the best scoring season of his career, averaging 15.4 points in 27.0 minutes per game. Also averaging 8.2 rebounds off the bench, Ibaka gives the team another big body to help defend against teams that have more size. As a pair with Marc Gasol, this team can boast two big men who can protect the rim, hit threes and find the open man.

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Not thought of as more than a rebounder and shot-blocker, it may come as a surprise that Ibaka is shooting 38.5 percent from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts per game this season. Of the 182 attempts on the season, 89 percent of them have come above the break.

While many players thrive from the corners first that is not Ibaka’s game. The fact that he only attempted 26 more shots in the restricted area and 12 more from the paint shows the evolution of his game.

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