Friday, May 31, 2019

Game One - Raptors Win Game One

The history of the Toronto Raptors is defined by one coincidence: the franchise's futility in Game Ones. Playing the opening contest at home hasn't been a remedy for the Raptors' ills. Game One of the Raptors' first NBA Final;s appearance took place in Toronto against the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors.Though the Warriors were missing their leading scorer and MVP of the past two Finals, Kevin Durant, and endured a long layoff, the Raptors still faced an uphill battle.

Toronto started off well as the Warriors offense was a bit flat. Golden State's defense struggled to rotate and Toronto got some open shots. While Kyle Lowry, who had endured all of Toronto's playoff heartbreak over the past seven seasons, and Kawhi Leonard struggled, Marc Gasol flourished, recapturing his old magic. Gasol ended with 20 points and 7 rebounds before fouling out.

The Raptors spread the wealth in the first half. Role players Danny Green and Serge Ibaka played solid minutes. Fred Van Vleet scored 15 off the bench exploiting the Warriors' sluggish defense. Toronto went into halftime with a ten point lead.

Pascal Siakim carried the Canadians the rest of the way. He poured in 32 points, barely missing.Only three of his 17 field goals missed their mark. He added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Leonard got to the line a lot to salvage his performance. He scored 23 by making 10 out of 12 free throws. Lowry added 9 assists and 6 rebounds.

The Warriors hung in thanks largely to Stephen Curry. When the Warriors' offense stalled int he third, he forced his way to the line. He knocked down threes after exquisite off-the-ball movement. He scored 34 points. But he didn't get much help in the scoring department. Klay Thompson contributed 21 points, but only Draymond Green, who finished with a triple double was the only other Warrior to score in double figures. Green's triple double was straight tens. He committed six turnovers though.

Steve Kerr used 11 guys, but the bench didn't rise to the occasion. Four players scored six points: Shaun Livingston, Quinn Cook, Jonas Jerebko, and the only Golden State player with a positive plus-minus ratio, the seldom used Alfonso McKinney. Centers Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney didn't influence the game much. And the veteran making his first ever Finals appearance after a long layoff due to injury, DeMarcus Cousins, was noticeably rusty.

Toronto is very balanced with super-stardom on the roster. After a 118-109 victory in Game 1 they look tough to beat. However, if Durant can return healthy, the entire narrative of the series shifts.

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