RAPTORS DEFENSE AND SIAKAM (32) POINTS PROVE TO BE THE DIFFERENCE IN GAME 1
After 24 years in existence the Toronto Raptors finally made their debut in the NBA Finals and did not let down, beating the defending champs the Golden State Warriors (118-109) in Scotiabank Arena. From opening tip the energy in the building was electric and that fueled the team. The Raptors shot (50% FG) for the game while their defense was something to watch. Collectively forced the Warriors into difficult shots as they committed (17) turnovers on the night. A night in which Kawhi Leonard struggled for most of the game shooting (5/14) from the field however still managed (23) points. Third year player Pascal Siakam took over. Siakam finished with a playoff career high (32) points on (14/17) shooting which was superb. At one point in time, Siakam had scored on (11) straight baskets (longest streak in 20 seasons - NBA Finals) as he dominated the 3rd quarter alone (6/6 FG - 14 points); a quarter which we usually see the Dubs takeover. Golden State transition and half court defense was atrocious for most the game and was a big reason for the Raptors success shooting the ball and getting easy buckets offensively. The Raptors had (14) assist on (15) shots in the first half as they found ways to get everyone involved offensively. GSW had not lost a NBA Finals game since June 9th 2017 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, (5-0) since then until tonight. Despite Steph Curry 6th straight game with at least (30) or more points, 34 on the night and (14/14 FT) as well as Draymond with another triple-double (10 pts / 10 reb / 10 ast) it was not enough. Golden State now (29-2) when Draymond posts a triple-double; two losses coming during this years playoffs.
The Warriors bench did outscore Toronto's (36-25) but the "other guys" stepped up in multiple ways for the Raptors. Defensively Marc Gasol presence took away GSW pick/roll; on the other end, double down on Kawhi, the Raptors made the correct passes and were hitting their shots. Danny Green finally found his shot. Marc Gasol (20 and 7) on (60% FG). Fred VanVleet (15) points off the bench led both teams and Kyle Lowry contributions may not be seen in the box score; however, he was pivotal in getting Toronto those easy buckets in transition, fighting in the paint for rebounds as well as taking on some key charging fouls which ignited the crowd and his team. Each time the Warriors made a run, the Raptors answered and just showed that resilience and composure which they have the entire postseason, something they have found from their unspoken leader in Kawhi Leonard and now have ran with it themselves. Toronto executed off those (17) Warriors turnovers with those transition and fast break points (+7) and points in the paint (+8). Boogie Cousins played in limited minutes but was semi effective in his time on the floor. However, just as the Raptors made the necessary plays once Kawhi was taken out of the picture; the Warriors seemed dazed and confused offensively and was ineffective in helping out Steph Curry once doubled teamed. The narrative of the Warriors being better without Kevin Durant was always mishandled in my opinion. Durant causes mismatches on both ends of the floor. KD brings them something different offensively that sometimes hinders the flow on offense but missing his huge (7 foot frame) and his ability to defend inside and out was missing as Siakam and company was able to dominate in the paint all game. Siakam with the game of his life, however will they have this same energy come game 2. Raptors head coach Nick Nurse elected to just play (9) players but (5) of those (9) played heavy minutes which could backfire but with the NBA Finals schedule, bodes well for Toronto as they do not play again until Sunday. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr went deep into their bench playing (11) guys in total, however that (9) day layoff in between games showed as they were held to just (49) points in the first half, the lackadaisical defense at times, those (17) turnovers and their horrific shooting woes from jump prove to be to much to overcome. If we expect Pascal Siakam going YOLO the entire series and the Warriors not to shoot better, we should know better by now. However one thing is for certain the Warriors better recognize this damn sure ain't the Cleveland Cavaliers their playing in the 2019 NBA Finals. Game 2 Sunday 8pm - ABC....
No comments:
Post a Comment