Pascal Siakam: Embracing and punishing double teams

Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam is one of the better isolation scorers in the NBA. But in years past, when teams sent additional pressure his way, he struggled to capitalize on space or man advantages. This season is a different story. Follow Yahoo Sports Canada for all your Raptors coverage.

Video Transcript

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AMIT MANN: Sure, it's a common trait shared amongst the NBA greats-- clear minds under pressure, and the skill to not only escape trouble, but punish defenses for thinking they could fool them. Pascal Siakam in isolation is one of the more dangerous players in the NBA. But in years past, his decision-making has lacked consistency and poise when a secondary defender came his way. And that is vital to his success, no different than any other high-usage player in the NBA.

Think of a Luka Doncic, a Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Giannis. All these guys can do it. And he's certainly taken his lumps over the years. But thankfully, Pascal Siakam is figuring it out.

- [INAUDIBLE]. Siakam. What a drive, what aggression, what urgency. It's a 10-point lead.

AMIT MANN: When a double team, either soft or aggressive, comes their way, some players immediately pass. But then there are others who still score. And those are the guys who are in that superstar echelon where teams are just hoping to contain them because they know that they cannot stop them. Pascal Siakam of late has been skillfully maneuvering around defenses, evading secondary defenders, and still scoring.

His handle is better. His first step is back to his pre-bubble days. And his stride length continues to overwhelm defenses.

- There's Spicy P, Pascal Siakam.

AMIT MANN: And of course, a silky-smooth mid-range game has helped him get out of jams where he can fake, hesitate, and spin off into a floater or a push shot so he can continue to produce through stunt and recover and other soft double defenses. A medium level of attention shouldn't stop elite scorers from getting to the cup. And Pascal Siakam has shown that he wants all the smoke because he is ready to get crafty with his bucket-getting. So bring your extra attention. He's going to raise you his array of skills in his arsenal, seize open space, and literally spin away from you for a bucket.

PASCAL SIAKAM: And I think being patient, that's one thing. I think sometimes when you see the double, it's just like you kind of panic. But I'm just staying-- just being calm. And sometimes, you know, it's fake, or if it's actually a double-team, passing out of it.

But I don't think that's a problem. There's always a good offense. So just trying to see, make plays, and be the best I can be as a playmaker and also as a scorer.

AMIT MANN: Of course, there are occasions where you do need to make a pass. And Pascal Siakam is getting so much better at using his gravity to lure defenders towards him, use himself as bait, and then fire off passes to find teammates for open looks. Previously when he encountered doubles, Pascal Siakam would just fire off a pass immediately. And that's not the wrong decision, but he's learned to get comfortable where he used to be uncomfortable as multiple bodies converged on him.

If you pass out of a double too quickly, then the defense can easily recover. And now you're in a broken possession situation. But also if you pass too late, now you're risking a turnover.

Pascal now expects and wants your double-team because he's seen so many different coverages and schemes over the years that you're probably not fooling him. He trusts his playmaking skills. And whenever your double is coming, he knows how to capitalize on the break in your defense.

If you blitz on the P&R, he's going to find the roller. If you double him in the post, he's going to find a teammate on the opposite side of the floor.

- [? 11 ?] of 15 from the field, he leads all with 27. Dances around, launches from the mid-range, and is good.

AMIT MANN: Playing more face up has helped him anticipate the defense better. And again, this is where his mid-range is so impactful. He no longer needs to have his back to the basket to score.

And to be fair, his playmaking stood out last season, too. But the Raptors collectively did not have the finishers or the shooters to really exploit defenses. But this season, a full season of Gary Trent Jr., Precious Achiuwa's new shooting prowess, and of course Scottie Barnes, who has formed an unreal two-man game with Pascal, all help Toronto finish plays once defenses turn their attention to Siakam.

On the six-game road trip with OG Anunoby out and Fred VanVleet in and out of the lineup, Pascal put up 26.7 points per game on 48% shooting to go with 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Also 46% from 3 on four attempts per game.

PASCAL SIAKAM: And then one thing that I talk to Coach about is just being ready, being more ready to shoot 3's. And I feel like I haven't been shooting 3's. Like, I've looked at how many 3's I shoot per game. I just felt like I don't-- I don't get enough up.

AMIT MANN: Pascal Siakam is bending defenses in ways he never has before, and is happy to occupy defenses so he can change directions, explode on weaker defenders, find positive passing angles for teammates, and do all of this at a high efficiency rate. Because he's calm, cool, collected, and only getting better.

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