Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving had high praise for Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam after his 37-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist effort Friday night.
"A triple-double is probably going to be happening most nights," Irving said postgame following the Nets' 109-105 win over the Raptors. "I'm not saying he's going to average a triple-double, but I think he has the capability of being a triple-double guy."
Irving led the Nets in scoring with 30 points while also dishing out seven assists. Kevin Durant contributed 27 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
The 30-year-old guard said he noticed the amount of work Siakam was putting in this summer, specifically with Rico Hines, who the Raptors hired as a player development coach in the offseason.
"We saw as many 'Spicy P' clips at Rico Hines runs as we could possibly see. … I definitely felt his presence this summer around Los Angeles. I think other guys can say the same that P was putting in a lot of work, and it's showing for itself. He's going to continue to get better," Irving added.
Following his triple-double performance, Siakam said how he plays has a significant effect on the Raptors as a whole.
"The type of player I am, when I play at a higher level, my team has a better chance to win," Siakam said, according to The Canadian Press. "I think anytime I play better, (my) team is in a higher position to win."
The Raptors are on the second night of a back-to-back, facing off against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena at 8 p.m. ET. The Nets don't play until Monday when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
