NBA championships are never won by a single player alone. However, that didn’t stop critics from casting doubts on the Toronto Raptors' future after the loss of NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard. It was widely speculated by fans and experts alike if Toronto could bounce back and become champions again without the help of the Boardman, and now that he is gone, who will step up to replace him? It appears that question may have finally been answered with Pascal Siakam. Pascal Siakam, who the NBA celebrated as the most improved player for the 2018-2019 season, stunned crowds at Scotiabank arena last night after he put up a whopping 30 points against the Pistons. Siakam hit 3 of 6 three-point shootings while scoring five rebounds and assists. It was a little eerie watching Spicy P step into Kawhi’s shoes so gracefully last night, it was like nothing has changed, and yet at the same time, everything has changed. Fans on social media immediately began shipping Siakam as Kawhi’s heir on Twitter after the game, with some even going as far as to suggest that as long as they have Spicy P, the Clippers can keep Leonard. “Give him the MVP already,” wrote one enthusiastic fan after witnessing the player’s stellar performance. “Losing Kawhi, no big deal when we have big P,” wrote another. Who needs Kawhi 🤷♂️— The CHOsen one is back lads (@CFCBucharest) October 31, 2019 #MIPtoMVP— Anthony farina (@AnthFarina) October 31, 2019 I wondered if last year was a case of all attention on Kawhi and he snuck up on teams. I don’t think that anymore #MVP— cash13 (@Cash13Jon) October 31, 2019 The Raptors' bout against the Pistons on Wednesday night was particularly tense due to the presence of former head coach Dwane Casey, whose contract ended during the 2013-2014 season. .@pskills43's goin' off!19 in the 3rd. 30 total. pic.twitter.com/eZ0arwAiSP— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 31, 2019 "I'm so proud of the team from last year, how they came out, won the championship," Casey said about his old team before the game. "Seeing the banner up there is beautiful, for the team, for the organization, for the country." "I'm not salty. There's no pepper, no hot sauce," he added. Of course, only time will tell if Siakam has what it takes to lead the Raptors to another championship. However, if he keeps playing like he did last night, I would say we've got a real shot this year. There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
