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2019 NBA Finals: How do Raptors compare to Warriors’ past 4 opponents?

By Daniel Lubofsky

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Marc Gasol #33, Kawhi Leonard #2, and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors look on against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 09: Marc Gasol #33, Kawhi Leonard #2, and Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors look on against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 9, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 112-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. 2015-16 Cleveland Cavaliers

After four games of the 2016 Finals, the Warriors seemed destined to complete the greatest season in NBA history following their 73-win regular season. Soon after, they unraveled in a way no other team had ever done, blowing a 3-1 series lead and allowing the Cavaliers to claim their first championship in franchise history.

Having finished inside the top 10 in offensive and defensive efficiency during the regular season, this Cavaliers squad could play either side of the ball at a high level when needed. LeBron James carried them like no one else before him, becoming the first player in Finals history to lead both teams in all five major statistical categories.

Whereas Kyrie Irving’s absence was felt tremendously the season prior, his presence seemed to make all the difference for Cleveland. He averaged 27.1 points per game in the series, including the memorable go-ahead shot in the final minute of Game 7.

Those two were unstoppable over the final three games, trading buckets back and forth — James with power and grace and Irving a finesse wizard with the basketball. Their powers were no more evident than in Game 5, where they became the first pair of teammates to each score 40 or more in a Finals game.

Defensively, Cleveland tried to replicate most of what gave Golden State fits the season prior. Tristian Thompson dominated the glass once again, averaging 10.1 boards per game, including nearly four a night on the offensive end.

One of the most historic offenses of all-time was held to just 99.9 points per game in part due to the Cavs’ overwhelming physicality in guarding Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The former shot just 40.3 percent from the field while the latter didn’t fare much better at 42.7 percent.

This Cavaliers squad shouldn’t necessarily be rewarded for climbing out of a hole they got themselves into. Yet it’s also a group that managed to accomplish what none of over 30 teams could pull off in digging themselves out of a seemingly permanent grave.

It wasn’t a flawless bunch, but rather one whose best was difficult to stop. If they proved anything, it’s that no team should want to face the duo of Kyrie and LeBron at the highest level. To do so is to welcome an onslaught proven capable of singlehandedly dragging teams to victory.

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