Bismack Biyombo is dominating by blocking and boarding

May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo (8) reacts in the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game two of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Jonas Valanciunas has clearly hurt the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference playoffs by removing a real offensive threat and one of the team’s best three players from the rotation. On the other hand the injury has meant more minutes for Bismack Biyombo, and Biyombo has made the most out of them with his length, athleticism and energy.

On Saturday night Biyombo is doing just that, dominating Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers and doing it without scoring a single point in the first half. Biyombo, who took just one shot in 19 first half minutes, instead hauled in 16 rebounds and blocked two shots, including this impressive one against Kyrie Irving.

(Vine via the Raptors)

It is amazing how easily Biyombo makes that look, jogging through traffic before getting airborne with perfect timing to avoid the goaltending call. Biyombo punctuated that block with a finger wag, which has become a bit of his trademark over the playoff run.

His stellar play has helped lead the Raptors to a double-digit halftime lead, though it remains to be seen if they can keep it up and hold on for their first win of the series.