Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) grabs a rebound in front of Milwaukee Bucks centre Greg Monroe (15) during second half NBA playoff basketball action, in Toronto on Saturday, April 15, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Republished April 18, 2017 - 3:37 PM
Original Publication Date April 18, 2017 - 8:05 AM
TORONTO - Despite a sore ankle, power forward Serge Ibaka got the start for the Raptors against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night.
Ibaka sprained his ankle in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series opener Saturday.
He rolled his ankle after coming down on the foot of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the third quarter but remained in the game, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
"He should be able to go," Toronto coach Dwane Casey said in his media availability two hours before tipoff.
That was confirmed when the starting lineup was released.
Ibaka tested his ankle prior to Tuesday's game. He had taken part in the morning shootaround after missing practices Sunday and Monday.
The Congolese forward was one of the few bright spots for Toronto in Game 1, which the Bucks won 97-83.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2017