Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to beating Warriors in 2019 NBA Finals
By Ananth Para
4, Be the more physical team
Sometimes, it’s okay to get a little nasty.
The Toronto Raptors have quietly become the most improved defensive team in the NBA, in large part with their new big man. With midseason acquisition Marc Gasol, they were gifted the tough, interior presence they were sorely lacking with fan favorite Jonas Valanciunas.
The playoffs have been no different, as the Raptors have allowed 4.4 fewer points per 100 possessions in comparison to their regular season. But according to NBA.com, they’ve also seen the biggest increase in opponent free throw attempts (from 24.9 to 30.0 attempts per 100 shots).
If that means Toronto can continue to be the more physical team throughout the series, so be it.
Facing a team that relies on off-ball screens as heavily as the Golden State Warriors could produce some problems for Toronto’s physical style of basketball, namely, fouling on contested 3-point shots (which Golden State is all too familiar with).
As long as Toronto can avoid fouling the platoon of snipers that Golden State possesses from the 3-point line, being the more physical team can help soften up the Warriors on both sides of the court.