Skip to content

Siakam returns from 10-game absence in Raptors' win over Cavs

Vaughn Ridley / National Basketball Association / Getty

Forward Pascal Siakam made his return to the Toronto Raptors' lineup in Monday's 100-88 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing 10 games with an adductor injury.

Siakam poured in 18 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the field in 30 minutes to go with 11 boards and five assists. O.G. Anunoby chipped in with 20 points, while Fred VanVleet had 13 points and a team-best plus-24 rating.

Scottie Barnes had 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds off the bench after missing the last two contests with a knee injury.

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 18 points apiece on an uncharacteristically slow night for Donovan Mitchell, who had just eight points on 3-of-11 shooting, his lowest point total since joining in the offseason.

Toronto has won both games against Cleveland this season. The Raptors earned a 108-105 victory on Oct. 19 in what was the first game of the campaign for both teams. Cleveland won eight straight after the season-opening loss in Toronto, and returned to the Scotiabank Arena having won five of its past six.

The Cavaliers were 7-of-38 from beyond the arc, their fewest made 3s this season and their lowest percentage (.184). Cleveland matched its previous season low with eight 3-pointers in Sunday’s victory over the Detroit Pistons.

The Raptors went 5-5 without Siakam while dealing with various other absences to key rotation players, including Fred VanVleet, Scottie Barnes, and Precious Achiuwa.

Siakam was enjoying a career-best start to the campaign before getting hurt, averaging 24.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game on 48% shooting. He's currently the only player in the NBA to put up such numbers.

The Raptors now move to 11-9 on the season and 8-2 at home. Next up is a visit to the Big Easy on Wednesday to face Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox