Pascal Siakam Went Off For 44 Points To Lead A Raptors Win Over The Wizards

The Toronto Raptors kept pace with the Bucks in the race for the top spot in the East on Wednesday night as they dispatched of the Wizards, 129-120 at home. That puts them at 43-16, a game back of the Bucks at 43-14 after Milwaukee took care of Indiana.

With Kawhi Leonard sitting out as part of his “load management” or whatever Toronto refers to it as, there was a need for someone to step up in his absence and Pascal Siakam answered the call. Siakam is in the midst of a breakout season, averaging 15.6 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, but against Washington he exploded for a career high 44 points to go along with 10 rebounds and three blocks in the win.

Siakam was incredibly efficient from everywhere on the floor, hitting 15-of-25 total field goal attempts, including 4-of-5 from three, and made 10-of-12 at the free throw stripe. This late sequence in particular was a perfect encapsulation of his night, as he finished a dunk on the fast break and then blocked a corner three attempt on the other end.

He showed off a little bit of everything, from the transition ability to the three-point stroke, but also the impressive post footwork when he catches a mismatch with a smaller wing.

Siakam wasn’t alone in having a career night, as OG Anunoby had 22 off the bench on 9-of-14 shooting.

It was the sixth straight win for Toronto as they seem to be hitting their stride once again after a minor rough patch. The race at the top of the East will be fascinating to watch in the stretch run once we get back from the All-Star break as Milwaukee and Toronto don’t show signs of slowing down.