Nick Nurse Gets Brutally Honest About Pascal Siakam
Nick Nurse got brutally honest about Pascal Siakam on Monday.
Following the Toronto Raptors’ 111-89 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics, Nurse was asked about his star forward’s recent playing slump.
Specifically, reporters wanted to know: what’s going on with him?
“I’m not sure why he’s been so out of rhythm since the restart. He hasn’t had a lot of great games,” he said.
“It’s too bad because he was spectacular in last year’s playoffs and he was spectacular all season long. We still have games to go. Hopefully he can get his rhythm.”
Siakam finished Game 5 with 10 points on nine shots. Not exactly the flash of potential superstardom he exhibited during Toronto’s run to a championship last year.
An NBA coach couldn’t resist the opportunity to take a jab at President Donald Trump this weekend. https://t.co/kuuI4SxpPg
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 6, 2020
It has essentially been a tale of two seasons for Siakam.
Prior to the NBA season being temporarily suspended due to COVID, the 26-year-old was averaging 23.6 points per outing. Although he had not fully stepped into the gaping hole left behind by Kawhi Leonard, he was doing an admirable job filling in.
Upon returning to the NBA Bubble, however, Siakam looked like a different player. He averaged just under 17 points per outing in the seven games that took place heading into the playoffs, and is averaging 15.8 points per game against Boston.
For what it is worth, Celtics coach Brad Stevens still has the utmost respect for what Siakam brings to the table.
“He’s terrific,” Stevens said. “Tough. You just try to guard him as hard as you can.
“I know that sounds simple and doesn’t give away a whole lot, but you just try to be as good as you can be. He gets where he wants to go, he’s physical, can put the ball on the floor. He’s a really good competitor. So every time you get a stop on him, you really have to earn it,” Stevens continued.
“Saw at the start of the second half, he had a couple of baskets there and it looked like they were going to set the tone for the way the half was played again, and, you know, he’s tough.”
Mike D’Antoni kept it honest about Russ. https://t.co/pvVuNCoATP
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 7, 2020
The Celtics currently lead their second-round series with the Raptors 3-2.
Ultimately, the winner will go on to face the winner of the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Game 6 between Boston and Toronto is set to take place on Wednesday.
Related: LeBron James On Why He Didn’t Want His Kids In NBA Bubble
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
