Looking Ahead At The NBA Finals 2019

Just days away, the three–peat searching Golden State Warriors will line up opposite the Toronto Raptors, who will contrarily make their first trip to the NBA’s biggest show. Up and down, the Raptors and Warriors illustrated championship caliber play during their respective runs along toward the league’s concluding episode. Although Golden State enters as a heavy favorite, the Raptors defeated the defending champions both times the two juggernauts clashed during the regular season. As Toronto attempts to add yet another chapter to their franchise beginning with the words “first ever,” while Golden State looks to expand their dynasty, the two clubs both enter with a great deal to prove.

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The Golden State Warriors stand as no stranger to the massive stage they plan to take once again this week. Oracle Arena’s fans already watched four championship series’s in a row play out, three of which Golden State walked away from hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Despite planning once again to play without the services of back–to–back finals MVP Kevin Durant and all–star DeMarcus Cousins, the Warriors appear equally dangerous, riding Stephen Curry’s incredible playoff performances, as well as enjoying contributions from Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.

Although Golden State possesses home court advantage, the Warriors may not even require its services, as they stand as the best road team throughout these playoffs, going 6-2 when hitting the road. Their field goal percentage across the floor adds to Golden State’s impressive playoff statistics. Despite shooting from inside the paint least amongst playoff teams, Golden State leads all in field goal percentage within the paint at 63.4%. The Warriors, as expected, also continue to portray efficiency from beyond the arc, leading all playoff teams shooting 37%. These factors combine giving Golden State the most efficient overall offense throughout the playoffs. When switching to the game’s defensive side, Golden State flashes between excellence and vulnerability. Overall, their defense fails to replicate their offensive success, as they own the ninth best defensive rating among playoff teams. However, this more so praises the team’s incredible offense, rather than scrutinize a proficient defense. Certain lineups generate further success than others, such as those assembling Curry, Thompson, Andre Iguodala, Green, and Kevon Looney, which post a proficient 3.07 turnover to assist ratio. Golden State’s still remains a quick and aggressive defensive squad, ranking third with 13.3 deflections per game.

Up north, the Raptors ultimately faced greater adversity during their playoff run than their respective opponents. After defeating Orlando 4–1, they took until game seven’s final seconds to send home Philadelphia. Once reaching the Easter Conference Finals, Toronto battled back from a 2-0 hole to win in six games against the team posting the league’s best record, the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite their bumpy journey, arguably the league’s best player Kawhi Leonard alongside an effective supporting cast including Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, Fred VanVleet, and Pascal Siakam all combined to sling–shot Toronto to the NBA Finals.

Toronto plays with an offense with the capability to slow things down, yet also speed up. Toronto achieved the second highest rate amongst post season teams for shots taken in transition, yet simultaneously own the second highest rate for shots taken within the shot clock’s final six seconds. Toronto enjoys shooting both from the line and during catch–and–shoot situations, ranking second once again in both categories. The Raptors will look to limit the three–point happy Warriors with their adept  defensive skills, as they clock in at third in opponent three–point percentage ranking. Toronto defends against isolation based offensive schemes as well, forcing the lowest rate of scoring per isolation possessions during the playoffs at an astonishing 0.73 points per possession.

Both Toronto and Golden State carry strengths and weakness into the showdown looming. As each side looks to exploit their opponent’s flaws, watch for Golden State to spread the floor often and close out on shooters at the defensive. Meanwhile, look for Toronto to put an emphasis on ball security while assigning the all–time great defender, Leonard, to whichever Warrior possesses the “hot hand” each night. Game one tips off at 5:30 p.m ETS in Oakland on Thursday, May 30, 2019