On Sunday afternoon against the Brooklyn Nets, it was time to leave the cheerleading to someone else. After ending his 2020-21 season abruptly due to a shoulder injury that required surgery for his left labrum in the off-season, Siakam heard a loud ovation when his name was announced among the starters and went on to make an encouraging season debut with 15 points, four rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes. “It’s a big moment, and I tried hard not to make it a big thing,” Siakam said. “Today I was laughing on Open Gym because I was telling them I don’t want to make it a big deal, and then he comes to my house and filmed me going all the way to the arena, and it’s like — yeah, so I tried not to but I know how important it is, and obviously I’m super happy and super excited to be back in Toronto. “It’s been so long, playing in this arena, and just playing with my teammates and seeing the fans, so yeah, it was a great moment and obviously wanted to get a win but it is what it is.”