Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 2 of 2019 NBA Finals

3. The bench stepped up

After a lackluster performance from two of the three bench unit players for the Toronto Raptors in Game 1, Norman Powell and Serge Ibaka — alongside VanVleet — contributed at an efficient level for Game 2.

Ibaka was infuriatingly inefficient on the offensive end, missing a few easy field goals at the rim, but his hustle (three offensive rebounds) contributed to the team’s 23 second chance points. In 16 minutes, he added seven points to go along with his 10 rebounds and two steals. One of his three made field goals came on a wide open look from beyond the arc — an aspect of his game he has struggled with consistently throughout this postseason run.

Powell was an energizer bunny for the Raptors when his number was called upon. He finished the game with a team-best +13 in 21 minutes of action, scoring seven points — including a highlight reel dunk, his only made field goal — and two assists. On the defensive end, he was tenacious, defending whoever opposed him. The Raptors bench outscored the Warriors’ bench, 31-25.

FVV played the third-most minutes (38) of any Raptor and was a pest defensively for Curry. His impact on the game was greatest when Lowry fouled out and became the primary ball-handler for the Raptors for the final six minutes. His steal on Curry put the game within single-digits and was part of the defensive unit to hold the Warriors’ offense mute for more than five minutes.