NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Cavaliers vs. Raptors matchup
By Connor Learn
2. Serge Ibaka could be the x-factor of the series
Serge Ibaka was a strong addition at the trade deadline for Raptor’s GM Masai Ujiri. His play on offense helped keep them afloat after Kyle Lowry went down, and his presence around the rim made their interior defense much better. Ibaka makes the Raptors better on both ends and was vital in their first round victory over the Bucks.
The Raptors took the Cavaliers to six games last season. Small Cavaliers lineups featuring Kevin Love at center and LeBron James at power forward had been their demise early in the series, but they found their answer in Game 3 when DeMarre Carroll and Patrick Patterson played power forward and center extensively. Ibaka gives them the ability to play this lineup to a much better degree. That could be one of the keys to Toronto giving Cleveland fits.
Ibaka will be asked to do many different things during this series. He will be asked to patrol the paint and prevent layups, keep Tristan Thompson off of the offensive boards, score over 15 points without many plays being ran for him, amongst other things. It is a lot to ask from a player, but it will be necessary for the Raptors to win. Ibaka needs to make a major difference or else they will suffer the same fate that they did last year.