Golden State Warriors: Ranking the 5 toughest Eastern Conference opponents
By Tony Pesta
![OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 5: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 5: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on March 5, 2019 at ORACLE Arena 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a268122dfe69d5fc054ab43589b385d77aafbd217e22459f85b0f2abe8ad4e51.jpg)
2. Toronto Raptors
If the Boston Celtics were the deepest team in the East, the Toronto Raptors are the longest team in the conference. Toronto has so many guys with gigantic wingspans, it will be difficult for any opponent to score on them.
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Kawhi Leonard, has transformed the Raptors into a real title contender. He is still potent on both sides of the floor and can create havoc for other teams. Leonard is averaging 27 points and 7.4 rebounds a game.
Of course, Kyle Lowry is still playing great. He isn’t the same All-Star he once was, but his team-high 9 assists per game have been huge to the team’s success.
As previously stated, what makes the Raptors so deadly is their absurd length and athleticism. Pascal Siakam has had a breakout season and is quickly turning into one of the league’s best two-way players.
Danny Green, Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol all help round out the Raptors. This might be the best defensive team in the league. If the Warriors face off against Toronto in the Finals, expect a gritty series.