The Raptors did not go the way of the dinosaur. The 2019 NBA finals were played between the Two Time defending Champion Golden State Warriors and the young and hungry Toronto “We the North” Raptors. The Warriors were led by 3 point sniper Stephen Curry while battling a slew of injuries with leading scorer Kevin Durant out for 5 1/2 of the 6 games. The upstart Raptors were led by Kawhi “The Claw” Leonard. Coming into this match-up it was a battle of the NBA’s top offense and the top defense. Something had to give, and it was ultimately the offensive product of a depleted Warriors attack. From the beginning of this season, the Warriors were a heavy favorite to make it this far in the playoffs, but the Raptors were a true Cinderella story. Trading away their most popular player, Demar Derozan for Kawhi Leonard, new head coach Nick Nurse and the emergence of young forward Pascal Siakam. The non-stop defensive pressure of Toronto Raptors was too much for Golden State’s offense as the Raptors won the NBA Finals in 6 games on the home court of the Warriors. Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard has a knack for ending three-peat runs as this is the second time in his career, he has won the NBA Championship against a team going for a 3rd straight ring. Kawhi Leonard is making a name for himself quietly some would say as he is now a 2 time NBA Champion, 2 Time Finals MVP, 2 time defensive player of the year and all at the age of 27 and first entering the prime years of his career. The longest tenured Raptor, Kyle Lowry had a near triple double to propel his Canadian Club to a world championship.
Looking into next season there a few questions to be answered about both teams. Starting with the Warriors, Durant is now coming off of a torn Achilles injury and his contract has expired so where will he land this offseason? Klay Thompson tore his ACL in his left knee in the final game of the finals so what will the Warriors do to fill his void next season?
Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard’s contract has ended but will winning the Championship be enough to convince him to stay in Toronto? The Gasol brothers just became the first brother to win a ring on the same team, will the Raptors resign one of both? Pick up some authentic signed Toronto Raptors autographed memorabilia from Sports Collectibles. Top selling championship items are autographed photos from Game 6, signed jerseys and basketballs.
Shop Raptors NBA Finals Memorabilia:
Kyle Lowry Autographed Jerseys & Photos
Kawhi Leonard Signed NBA Basketballs
Pascal Siakam Signed Sports Collectibles
Fred VanVleet Autographed 8×10 Photos
