The Toronto Raptors defeated the defending champion Golden State Warriors 114-110 in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals to win their first ever NBA title. Here’s a look at how they pulled off this major accomplishment.
The Toronto Raptors had the second-best record in the NBA in 2018-19, but after LeBron James initially took his talents out West, Toronto wasn’t on the list of teams who could potentially capitalize on James’ departure.
You see, the Boston Celtics were one game away from a Finals appearance last year despite the absences of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. However, even with those two players back in the mix, the Celtics were eliminated in the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs.
The Philadelphia 76ers were hoping to take the next step behind the young nucleus of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Ironically, not even the additions of Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris could prevent the 76ers from bowing out in the second round for the second straight season.
The Milwaukee Bucks had the best record in the association. Unfortunately, not even one of the best seasons in the recent history of this franchise could propel them to a Finals appearance. Meanwhile, the Raptors quietly went about their business, dispatching every playoff foe they faced.
Toronto eliminated the Orlando Magic in five games in the opening round of the playoffs. They followed that up with a seven-game series win over the 76ers in the conference semifinals that came down to the final buzzer. Then, they knocked off the top-seeded Bucks in six games despite dropping the first two games of that series.
While few expected the Raptors to be more than just another speed bump for the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, they eventually emerged victorious in this NBA Finals matchup as well, giving the franchise its first ever NBA championship.
Here’s a look at what factors contributed to the Raptors winning this Finals series.