The mighty rulers of the NBA have fallen. The Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games and are the 2019 NBA Finals Champions. This is the first championship in their franchise’s history. Most of the NBA world expected this series to be lengthy. The Warriors were the favorites to win. But, things changed quickly in the Raptors’ favor. How did the Raptors overcome the odds? What went wrong for the Warriors? How will this affect both teams going forward? Let’s analyze this historic moment.
2019 NBA Finals Recap: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors
NBA Finals: Games 1 Through 4
In Game 1, the Raptors set the tone. They were physical from start to finish. Their defence bothered the Warriors, causing them to play out of character. The Warriors shot just 43.6 percent, turned the ball over 16 times, and were outscored in three out of four quarters. The Raptors were uplifted by the play of Pascal Siakam. Siakam finished with 32 points on 14-of-17 shooting. Also, Marc Gasol played a huge role, finishing with 20 points. Eventual Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, struggled, but still poured in 23 points.
The Warriors turned things around in the second half of Game 2. They outscored the Raptors 55 to 45. The Raptors were fatigued. They missed many shots in the second half, finishing 11-of-38 from three-point range and 37.2 percent shooting overall. The Warriors seemed to have found their footing. Unfortunately, bad luck fell upon them. Klay Thompson went down with a hamstring injury. Also, key role players Kevon Looney and Andre Iguodala were hurt. Thompson and Looney were ruled out of Game 3 soon after.
Games 3 and 4 shocked many people. The Raptors dominated both games. They outplayed the Warriors, especially in the second halves. They bested them in every major category. After experiencing shooting struggles in the first two games, Leonard found his shot. In Game 3, he scored 30 points in just 17 attempts. In Game 4, he scored 36 points in 22 attempts. The Raptors outscored the Warriors in seven out of eight quarters between those two games. The Warriors were held under 30 percent from three-point range.
NBA Finals: Games 5 and 6
Game 5 saw the return of Kevin Durant. Durant had been out of action since the second round of the playoffs. The Warriors were playing with newfound confidence as Durant scored 11 points. Unfortunately, he tore his Achilles and left the arena wearing a boot. Despite Durant’s untimely exit, the Warriors were able to pull out the victory due to the Splash Brothers’ exceptional three-point shooting.
Game 6 featured back-and-forth action between both teams. There wasn’t much separation all game long. Kyle Lowry started the game on fire, making the Raptors’ first 11 points. The Warriors clawed their way back and took control in the third quarter. But, the injury nightmares continued for them. Thompson injured his knee in the third quarter and did not return.
The Raptors were uplifted in the fourth quarter by the play of Fred VanVleet and Siakam, who hit clutch shots. The Raptors took control of the game and held on to win 114-110 to capture their first title.
The Klaw Rules the Finals
The NBA world witnessed perhaps the greatest individual run in playoff history. Leonard was amazing from start to finish. During the Finals, he scored at least 30 points in three of the six games and had three double-doubles. In the playoffs, he averaged 31.1 points per game, 9.3 rebounds per game, and shot 49.8 percent from the field.
Leonard shifted the culture of the Raptors, instilling confidence and toughness. He is the main reason why they were able to capture their first title. Leonard’s performance, especially against Golden State, makes him the best player in the NBA.
What’s Next for the Toronto Raptors?
Now that the Raptors are the champions, they enter the offseason with lofty expectations. Their main priority is to re-sign Leonard. The Raptors’ organization and the city of Toronto fully embraced Leonard. He seemed to fit in perfectly.
But, no one knows his intentions beyond this past season. Leonard has been quiet about his desires. The Raptors now hold their breath in hopes of re-signing him. If the Raptors manage to keep him, they will be a more attractive destination for free agents.
This year’s postseason showcased the Raptors strong culture and strong leadership in the organization. Many second-tier free agents should at least consider the Raptors as a landing spot. If Toronto has a successful offseason, they will be the early favorites to return to the finals next season.
The End of an Era?
For the first time in five years, the Warriors face uncertainty. Their record-breaking run of five straight Finals appearances and three titles was incredible. But, this year could mark the end. Durant, Thompson, and DeMarcus Cousins are free agents this summer.
Rumors have swirled all season about Durant leaving. However, after undergoing successful surgery, it is a stronger possibility he will opt in as he recovers. Thompson is arguably the most sought-after name. Cousins will leave for more money most likely. Re-signing them will be the main priority. If the Warriors lose all three players, then that will spell trouble for the next season and beyond. The NBA could see the Warriors in rebuilding mode soon.
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