The Toronto Raptors took their first win of the season against the New York Knicks, but without all-star Pascal Siakam. As coach Nick Nurse confirmed after the game, it was a disciplinary measure.
“It was about a disciplinary matter that we want to keep internally,” said Nurse after the Raptors’ 100-83 victory over the Knicks. “We made our decision today and we leave it at that. Everything will remain internal.”
One reason could have been Siakam’s behavior after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers two days ago. The Cameroonian fouled in the last few seconds of the game, immediately marched into the dressing room and did not sit on the bench as usual. Nurse did not want to confirm this, however.
“We have a certain approach and everyone has to comply,” said Nurse. For Siakam, Norman Powell started against the Knicks and scored 17 points. The 26-year-old Siakam has had a difficult start to the season so far. Although the forward averaged 18.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists, he only hit 39.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from a distance.
Laut Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN) Siakam is said to be back in the Raptors’ squad on Sunday night, and there is probably no punishment in the room.
.
