2019 NBA Finals: Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors preview
By Ananth Para
And then there were two. As the Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors prepare to face off, here’s a preview for the 2019 NBA Finals.
After a month of NBA playoff basketball, it all comes down to one last best-of-seven series between the two No. 2 seeds — the defending champion Golden State Warriors and the cyborg/veteran-led Toronto Raptors.
Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors are entering the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, with an impressive regular season record of 58-24 and a 12-6 playoff record.
The Warriors, on the other hand, will be entering their fifth consecutive Finals bolstered by a regular season record of 57-25 and a 12-4 playoff record, representing the West once again in what will only add to their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
On the cusp of their first ever three-peat and third in modern NBA history (Chicago Bulls from 1992-94 and 1996-98, Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02), Golden State can be elevated to a tier that can only be shared with two other teams.
In their way is a monster in their own right.
The Raptors have neutralized two of the most potent offenses in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers — led by the most talented big man since the turn of the century, Joel Embiid, and a trio of stars — and the Milwaukee Bucks — led by future face of the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With the winner decided in a best-of-seven series, both teams have little to no leeway for mistakes if they have any desire of taking home the Larry O’Brien trophy.