Pascal Siakam Thrilled for Chris Boucher, Says Teammates 'Deserved' Raptors Honors
It would have been entirely reasonable for Pascal Siakam to be upset that he wasn't awarded the player of the game chain by the Toronto Raptors coaching staff.
There’s little doubt who Toronto’s best player was Monday night. If not for a 39-point performance from the All-Star forward, the Raptors never would have had a chance to erase a 23-point hole against the Washington Wizards.
And yet, Siakam couldn’t have been happier when Chris Boucher put on the massive WWE-like chain during the team's post-game celebration
“Chris was unbelievable man,” said Siakam. “The energy he brought to the game, blocking shots, finishing, transition, just playing solid basketball. Just his energy, what was he +14? I thought he deserved it for sure.”
Siakam did get an honorable mention, Raptors coach Darko Rajaković said, as did the rest of Toronto’s bench who came alive in the second half after a disappointing first half. But it was Boucher's readiness and defensive impact at the end that really caught Rajaković’s attention.
“That guy, he's putting a lot of work in,” Rajaković said. “He's staying ready and all of that keeps his mind and body in the right place when his numbers are called like it was tonight, he was ready to go out there.”
Boucher was everywhere for Toronto down the stretch. He blocked a shot attempt from Deni Avdija that led to a pair of Barnes free throws as the Raptors cut Washington’s lead down to six. He followed that up with another block on the very next possession and then scored a dunk in transition as Toronto pulled within three. Moments later, he capped off the night with another transition dunk to tie things up at 107.
“For me, it’s been really touch on Chris. There’s some games he’s playing, some games he doesn’t know if he’s going to play,” Siakam said. “His growth and understanding that sometimes it’s going to be a little hard and him not putting his head down and, like, getting away from the team. He’s been so professional. I love his attitude. The coaches see that, and everyone sees it and it’s only going to pay off for him.”
It was that attitude that earned Boucher the honors and why Siakam was among the first and loudest of his Raptors teammates to congratulate Boucher as he dawned the massive gold chain.
“I had my John Cena moment,” Boucher said with a smile.
