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Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 4 of 2019 NBA Finals

By Ananth Para

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the second half during Game Four of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Culture change is much more than a catchy phrase

After falling down by double digits throughout the first quarter and all the momentum on the side of the Golden State Warriors, a blowout Game 4 seemed imminent.

But through a combination of Kawhi Leonard carrying the offensive load with 14 first-quarter points and strong defense all across the board, the Toronto Raptors managed to slowly cut the lead down to four.

With shooting sub 30 percent from the field, the Eastern Conference Champions had to be ecstatic with the small deficit heading into halftime, as it ultimately opened the door for their emphatic comeback victory.

Unlike years past, the Toronto Raptors were able to show a certain level of resiliency that the Golden State Warriors have yet to come across since their historic 3-1 meltdown against the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers.

The culture change that the Toronto Raptors have gone under throughout the duration of the 2018-19 NBA season cannot be understated.

The introduction of championship pedigree players such as Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard seems to have paid dividends to the Raptors franchise, which can be summed up with former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins‘ reaction to the Toronto Raptors’ post-Game 3 reaction.

If a former NBA champion who formed one of the most physical 4-5 tandems in the 2000s can see a newfound mental toughness, count me in.

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