Two Cameroonian players went up against each other, but it was Pascal Siakam who emerged tops in the contest, making double figures for Toronto Raptors to help the defending champions secure a four-point victory over Philadelphia Sixers on Wednesday.
It was a very close game that saw Sixers take an early lead in the 1st quarter with seven points, but Raptors gradually came back into the game to run out with a 125-121 victory.
76ers started the game with a boost after Joel Embiid was cleared to play, having missed their last game with an injury. However, the Cameroonian Center only played for 13mins: 35s, making 5pts and 9reb while he was on the court.
His compatriot Siakam who started a little bit slowly, picked up and went on to make 15pts, 9reb and 4ast. Siakam also made a block and a steal for Raptors in a game they fought hard to grind out a win.
The defeat to Sixers was a little tough on them, having played very well all game and looking like they could cause an upset by becoming the second team after Phoenix Suns to beat Raptors in the bubble. Maybe if Embiid was fully fit, it could have been a different outcome.
It was a gritty performance, but Raptors will be delighted with how they stayed in the game and eventually won after trailing by 7pts at half-time. The victory was Raptors’ 52nd of the season, and 6-1 in the bubble.
