Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to beating Warriors in 2019 NBA Finals

3. Take advantage of the rust

For what feels like the entirety of Golden State’s playoff run, the Warriors have been without their prized acquisition, DeMarcus Cousins.

But what that has proved more than anything is that the talented big man is more of a luxury than an integral part of the team. Nevertheless, Boogie Cousins is listed as questionable ahead of the inaugural game of the NBA Finals. He would surely provide some much-needed physicality and interior force against former Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol and two-time blocks leader Serge Ibaka.

But on the other end of the spectrum, Kevin Durant has missed the last six playoff games and is scheduled to miss Game 1 of the Finals in Toronto, although he has traveled with the team.

Regardless of the inflated stats and how the Warriors have only lost one game in which Stephen Curry played and Kevin Durant has not, he is still the best player on that team (and arguably the league).

After missing over a month of NBA playoff basketball, expect DeMarcus Cousins to move slower than usual and be on the court for short stints at a time, and in turn, expect Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard attempting to get a pick-and-roll switch onto him every single possession the big man is on the floor.

Kevin Durant hasn’t missed nearly as much time as Boogie, but it’s unrealistic to expect the greatest scorer post-prime Kobe Bryant to pick up from where he left off, averaging 34.2 points per game on an unfair .513/.416/.901 shooting splits.

With KD and Boogie not in NBA Finals shape, the Toronto Raptors have to make sure that the two returning pieces are as uncomfortable as possible when on the court.