2019 NBA Finals
The 2019 NBA Finals tip off tonight. In the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors have fought their way back to a fifth consecutive NBA Finals and are seeking their third straight win. They are returning to the NBA Finals despite injuries to two of their starting players, Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins. Kevin Durant is suffering from a calf injury he sustained during the second round of the playoffs against the Houston Rockets. DeMarcus Cousins tore his quad muscle in the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers. Although Durant will not play in Game 1 tonight, DeMarcus Cousins is questionable.
In the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors are going to the NBA Finals for the first time. Despite having playoff success in the past, the closest the Raptors came to reaching the NBA Finals was in 2016 when they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland went on to defeat the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals to win their first NBA Championship. The X factor for Toronto this season has been the addition of all-star forward Kawhi Leonard. Leonard is averaging over 30 points per game and his spectacular defense essentially shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference Finals. Leonard's ability to score, rebound, make assists, and play great defense has made all the difference in this playoff run for the Toronto Raptors.
Although six games were necessary in the first and second rounds to achieve victory, Golden State swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. They haven't played since May 20th, so they are well-rested. Toronto played seven games in the second round against Philadelphia followed by a physical six-game series against top-seeded Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference Finals. With less time to rest, it will be interesting to see how much energy they have to face the Golden State Warriors in Toronto tonight. It will certainly be a hard-fought game with great offense and defense from both teams. Enjoy the series and I hope your team wins, as long as it's Golden State.
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