While possibly being without Kevin Durant for most the NBA Finals obviously isn’t ideal, this series will ultimately be the Golden State Warriors to lose.
The Golden State Warriors will face off against the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals. This will be the first time the Dubs, who have made it to five-straight Finals, won’t be facing LeBron James for the chance to become champs once again.
That said, we knew the Eastern Conference was going to be a competitive mess.
That it was.
There were inefficient shooting nights and oftentimes sloppy, mistake-ridden play that was coupled with a few of the biggest and most skilled plays of the season. The Raptors clawed their way to the Finals and rightfully deserved the spot.
But, given that the Raptors will be the Warriors opponents, it’ll be their series to lose. The Warriors have opened up as lofty favorites over their Canadian counterparts. These odds were probably significantly worse than they would’ve been if the Giannis-led Bucks made the Finals.
Why?
Well, there are several reasons why. Overall, the Bucks matchup better with Golden State. Eric Bledsoe was an All-Defensive First Team member and could defend the two-time MVP much better than Kyle Lowry could.
Even if you stick Leonard on Curry, it’d be a chaotic mess for Lowry, who’d have to defend and box out either Iguodala or Green. Then, with how well Curry operates the pick-and-roll, players like Marc Gasol may be deemed unplayable.
Take out Gasol and Lowry, and on the offensive end, all you have to do is worry about Kawhi Leonard. On the defensive end, Kawhi Leonard is one of the only players that commands attention. Steve Kerr will make sure he doesn’t light them up.
James Harden and Damian Lillard were excellent, but against the Dubs, they were significantly more inefficient then against their previous opponent. Lillard is the perfect example. With one elite star on his side, much like Leonard, the Dubs shut him down and the Blazers then fell as well.
Lillard, up until the series with Golden State, averaged over 28 points per game prior to taking on the Dubs. Against Golden State, he shot 37% and scored just over 22 points per game. That said, the Raptors, in that department, mimic Portland.
When Leonard has been held to under 35 this postseason, the Raptors as just 6-5. However, when he notches 35 or more, the team is 6-1. It’s that easy. Limit Kawhi, and you handicap the Raptors offense.
That said, the Warriors have the edge both offensively and defensively. With Durant expected to return and Cousins expected to be back in time for Game 1, the Warriors shouldn’t have much issues with Toronto.