Toronto Raptors: 3 keys for Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals

(Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Toronto Raptors won Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors, 118-109. Here are three keys to getting another victory in Game 2.

With a balanced team effort on both ends of the floor that included five players in double-digit points, the Toronto Raptors took a a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals with a 118-109 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Pascal Siakam led the Raptors in scoring with 32 points, including making 11 straight field goals at one point during the game.

With Kawhi Leonard being held in check with 24 points on 5-for-14 shooting, Siakam and the other Raptors stepped up to help shoulder the load.

Their defensive effort was outstanding considering despite giving up 109 points, especially considering the Warriors had the best offense in the postseason.

Stephen Curry led the game in scoring with 34 points with 14 of his points coming from the free throw line. Klay Thompson (21 points) and Draymond Green (10 points) were the only other Warriors in double-digits as the non Splash Bros Warriors shot 5-for-15 on 3-point attempts.

Golden State made second-half runs to cut the lead to four points a couple times and as small as three in the fourth quarter, but Toronto answered every run the Warriors made and kept any trademark second half run by the champs at bay.

It was the first time the Warriors lost a Game 1 of the NBA Finals under Steve Kerr, which happens to be only the second series in the Kerr era that they haven’t had homecourt for a series (2018 Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets).

Andre Iguodala left the game in the fourth quarter after appearing to aggravate his left calf that kept him out of Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, but both he and Kerr said he’s alright and will be ready for Game 2 after his MRI came back clean.

Toronto played a complete game and is now one step closer to their first title in franchise history. Here are three keys to another Game 2 victory.