In the NBA Finals, not only does it come down to the team that’s been challenged the most, but also the team that has remained healthy. Ao far, in this 2019 series, that team has been the Toronto Raptors. While the injury-riddled Golden State Warriors are without their best players in superstar Kevin Durant and two-way player Klay Thompson; the Raptors have maintained great health and have no critical players on their team suffering injuries. The Raptors defeated the Warriors on the road in Game 3, 123-109.
The best thing a ballclub can have coming into a big-time game is confidence knowing that they have a talent advantage. Toronto received significant contributions from its starting lineup for a total 106 points and played with immense confidence from tipoff.
Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry had one of the best playoff games of his career. The three-time champion had 47 points but it wasn’t enough as he didn’t have either of his scoring sidekicks with him. Curry by himself — even while putting up a great performance — is not enough against a well-balanced Raptors team.
Thompson was certainly missed on the offensive side but his absence made a difference defensively as well. Raptors shooting guard Danny Green continued his stellar Finals play by scoring 18 points on 6-10 shooting from three-point range. He also flew around defensively and got a key block on Warriors guard Quinn Cook early in the fourth quarter which helped the team keep the lead.
Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard had an all-around great game. The three-time All-Star had 30 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Leonard played great defense, helping others and staying patient to get to his spots on offense. It looks so effortless when he scores because it’s not flashy, just fluid… a combination of knocking down shots and getting to the rim.
The Raptors frontcourt came to play in Game 3. The combination of forward Pascal Siakam (18 points) and center Marc Gasol (17 points) proved to be too much for the Warriors frontcourt of Draymond Green and Demarcus Cousins. What they can do offensively and defensively was too much to handle for Cousins who scored four points on 1-7 shooting. Cousins isn’t 100% healthy and the Raptors reminded him that he hasn’t been in game-shape since before his recent injury. Forward Serge Ibaka came off the bench and gave the Raptors a much-needed defensive presence with four blocks.
This was an all-around great game for the Raptors and they looked like the much better team. If the Warriors want to come back and even this series, they must play much better defense and give Curry the help he needs offensively.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr fully expects Klay Thompson to play Game 4 which would give the Warriors a fighting chance on both ends. The team is still uncertain about the return of Durant but he continues to rehab in the process.
The Raptors are heading back to Oracle Arena to face Golden State up 2-1 in the series Friday, June 7 at 9 p.m. EST.