Sports

Raptors need Siakam, VanVleet to lead. They’ve done it before

Within the closing, dramatic quarter of a memorable run to an NBA championship, the Raptors went away from kind.

On a group anchored by the singular skills of Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard, it was the unheralded duo of younger Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam that coach Nick Nurse turned to, placing them in a two-man recreation that flummoxed the Golden State Warriors sufficient that the Raptors capped a pleasant season with the primary title in franchise historical past.

The roles of VanVleet and Siakam have modified dramatically since that June 2019 evening — they’re now Toronto’s finest and most essential gamers — however they continue to be the duo that would very effectively lead the Raptors to a collection win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

These classes realized again then and the first-hand information that they’ll carry out underneath probably the most dire and pressure-packed circumstances possible ought to stand them in good stead within the first-round collection that begins Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Exterior of 15-year veteran Thad Younger, VanVleet and Siakam have by far probably the most post-season expertise of anybody on the roster. And among the many 48 playoff video games VanVleet’s been in and the 47 Siakam has performed, their championship pedigree places them atop the Raptors listing.

“We’re going to attempt to use that have as a lot as we are able to, however we don’t know what to anticipate. Like, issues are going to be completely different,” Siakam mentioned, “and we’ve simply obtained to go on the market with a transparent thoughts.”

It’s exhausting to think about two extra completely different but efficient leaders for a younger group than VanVleet and Siakam, who broke into the NBA collectively in 2016.

VanVleet, the purpose guard, is the vocal chief, a get-in-your-face teammate who instructions respect for his skills and willingness to name out teammates whereas taking duty for his personal failings.

Siakam, the star ahead, is extra outwardly emotional however inwardly quiet, and his ascension this season into a significant management function has been vital and essential. He’s all the time going to be extra supportive than important, however his management by instance can’t be denied.

“Kyle (Lowry) was such an enormous a part of what we had by way of management. There was undoubtedly spots for somebody to have a bit little bit of voice,” Siakam mentioned. “Clearly, Fred took that function and he’s been a super-vocal chief for us, however I attempt to discover my spots and discover methods the place I can get my two cents in, and hopefully they’ll take heed to me.”

Minus Kawhi Leonard, left, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet will lead the Raptors into the post-season starting Saturday night in Philadelphia.

Siakam’s lead-by-example function could tackle added significance in a playoff collection that needs to be, if historical past holds, much more bodily than the common season. He’s been keen and capable of play by means of contact all season with out overreacting, and the hits are going to maintain coming.

“He’s our greatest participant, he’s our main scorer and he doesn’t get an incredible whistle through the common season and … it’s an incredible place to be in,” mentioned VanVleet, “since you’re seeing the assault on the rim and physicality that it takes to play by means of contact and end.

“That’s one thing I’ve watched Pascal get higher and develop at, and one thing that’s actually helped his recreation this yr. So I believe it’s an incredible message for the opposite guys: If our greatest participant isn’t getting any whistles, you higher not expect them, both.”

For VanVleet, well being is a matter. He’s been bothered by a sore knee since simply earlier than the February all-star break, sat out the final three video games of the common season and hasn’t performed since April 5. That’s tremendous with him.

“We ended up doing what we thought we might do, which was getting a top-six, getting a bit little bit of relaxation, getting a while off, getting a while to work out, get again in form, get my timing again,” he mentioned. “I’ve had a fairly good week of labor. I’m preparing for this collection. It might go actually good or actually dangerous. I’m optimistic about it. I really feel good.”

If VanVleet and Siakam may be profitable in pick-and-roll motion, both drawing Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid away from the basket or permitting Siakam to assault a smaller defender, Toronto’s half-court offence will succeed. It’s the identical type of play they’ve been operating for years in troublesome video games, and Siakam’s capacity as a passer makes him much more harmful.

It opens up photographs and house for the likes of Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes, who’ve all thrived at occasions this season.

“It’s simply me taking part in the sport like I all the time do, adjusting,” Siakam mentioned. “(It’s) simply me studying the sport and persevering with to play by means of the circulation of the sport.

“I believe coach additionally type of likes to see these issues within the recreation and make changes, and Fred can be actually good at that. (It’s) nearly communication, and proceed to play and make changes as they arrive.”

Like they’ve for years.



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