The 2019 NBA Finals have been filled with some of the most compelling storylines in recent memory. The Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, for example, provided one of the best Finals performances of all time and Game 6 was especially amazing. For the Warriors, this was the last game the team will ever play at Oracle Arena and the crowd was as loud as it has ever been. Even so, the Raptors depth was too much to overcome and Toronto defeated Golden State, 114-110, to become 2019 NBA Champions and win the team’s first championship ever.
Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard has been sensational throughout the entire playoffs and his decision to sit out last season to get healthy paid off. He proved to the world that one doesn’t need another superstar to win a title. As long as a team is made up of solid players that accept their role and gravitate towards their leader, then it can be successful.
During the finals, Leonard averaged 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. This was one of the most historic playoff runs ever and the kicker is that he’s just now getting into his prime.
Toronto has been building its foundation for years now and in Game 6, it all came together.
Guard Fred VanVleet worked his way up from the G-League and now is an NBA Champion in his third season. In this contest, he scored 22 points, 12 of which came in the fourth quarter. His scoring punch — along with the defensive assignment of guarding sharpshooter Steph Curry — was an added boost in the playoffs.
The play of Raptors forwards Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka was exceptional. Siakam recorded 26 points and 10 rebounds while Ibaka tallied 15 points off the bench. These two versatile players were critical contributors throughout this championship run but especially in these finals.
The foundation for the Raptors over the years has been point guard Kyle Lowry. Having already been through years of losing in the playoffs, when the moment came for him to contribute at a high level, he stepped up and made plays. In Game 6 he finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.
It was a back-and-forth competition throughout and in the third quarter the Warriors appeared to be geared to take over.
Golden State guard Klay Thompson caught fire. He scored 30 points on 8-12 shooting and four 3’s. Late in the third quarter, he drove to the basket and was fouled. On his way down, the five-time All-Star landed in his left leg, tore his ACL and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. The loss of depth demoralized his teammates.
The Warriors showed their championship grit and fought throughout the series as well as in Game 6, but it just wasn’t enough in the end… the Toronto Raptors beat them 114-110 to claim the 2019 NBA title.