The 2019 NBA Finals are finally here after an entertaining first month of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The Warriors are in their fifth straight NBA Finals and the Raptors are here for the first time in their history. Who will come out on top?
(E2) Toronto Raptors vs (W1) Golden State Warriors: This should be a better series than folks are giving it a chance to be. The Raptors have been phenomenal defensively throughout their postseason run and their offense is hitting big shots in big spots. Kawhi Leonard has been unequivocally the best player in the postseason so far. Danny Green has been in a horrible slump, but he and Leonard both have finals experience from their days with the Spurs. Kyle Lowry openly admitted to having a finger injury, but he's arguably having his best postseason in his career. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka have both played up to capability on both ends of the floor. Pascal Siakam has been hit or miss in this playoffs although he has battled an injury in the postseason. Fred Van Vleet's re-emergence in the Bucks series was key for them pulling off the comeback to win the Eastern Conference Final. Norman Powell is another bench guy that's been hit or miss for them too. Nick Nurse couldnt have had a better first season as an NBA head coach. Meanwhile, the Warriors backcourt of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have been amazing throughout the postseason, especially after Kevin Durant suffered his calf injury. Draymond Green is playing like the guy from three years ago and is showing a lot of tenacity on both ends. Durant and DeMarcus Cousins (quad) both have a chance to return in this series after both seem to have been having smooth rehabs. Andre Igoudala should be back for Game 1 after his injury that kept him out for a game. Bench guys like Alfonso McKinnie, Kevin Looney, and Jordan Bell have stepped up in the last two rounds. Steve Kerr is one of the more underrated coaches in the league and he doesn't get the respect he deserves for five finals's in five years as an NBA head coach. That said, I expect Durant to be back by Game 4 and for Cousins to be back at some point, so the Warriors will be at full-strength midway through the series and I like the Warriors to pull off the leagues first three-peat since the Lakers between 2000-2002.
Prediction: Warriors in six games.
Finals MVP: Stephen Curry
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