Finals schedule
Warriors vs. Raptors
Game 1 Thur, May 30th 9ET
Game 2 Sun, June 2nd 8ET
Game 3 Wed June 5th 9ET
Game 4 Fri June 7th 9ET
Game 5 Mon June 10th 9ET
Game 6 Thur June 13th 9ET
Game 7 Sun June 16th 8ET
What to expect:
Warriors
The Warriors will have achieved their fifth straight finals appearance once this series gets started. Many may not like it but Steph Curry and the Warriors have cemented themselves as a dynasty. During this year’s playoff run the warriors have been unstoppable through injuries and all. During the first round, they started off rocky but handles the clippers. In the second round, they went blow for blow against the rockets before disarming them. While in the western conference finals they completely dismantled the Trailblazers. Before getting hurt Kevin Durant was averaging 34 points on 51% shooting, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.9assits. While Steph Curry has been putting up 27 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists.
In Kevin Durant’s absence, Draymond Green has reverted back to the playmaking, intelligent, stretch four we grew to love. In this raptors series without Kevin Durant not only will those intangibles be needed but Klay Thompson will have to show up. On a positive note, the Warriors have received clearance from doctors that DeMarcus Cousins is ready to play. They announced today that he will play in game one but is uncertain about his minute’s restriction at the moment.
Raptors
Back in Canada, the Raptors are riding their high energy and Kawhi Leonard’s back into the finals. During the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard has averaged 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. These numbers were enough to get thrash the Orlando Magic in the first round and squeak by the 76ers in the second round. However, you didn’t get the full picture of Kawhi’s greatness until the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks. Where Kawhi not only single-handedly locked down Gianna Antetokounmpo defensively while still having his way offensively. In the process creating some of the playoffs best dunked on poster moments.
The most important people the raptors should Focus on from a game plan perspective are Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol. Pascal Siakam in these playoffs is averaging 18.7 points, seven rebounds and 2.4 assists a game. These numbers aren’t horrible but more will be required from Pascal in the play-making department. Marc Gasol hasn’t looked quite like the big man that we used to see in Memphis. This playoff series Gasol has averaged 8.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. In order to make this a competitive series Gasol will have to take advantage of the weakest area in the Warriors offense.
The Prediction
Even though Kevin Durant is out now most people believe he will be back by game 3. Which in my opinion will be the key the warriors need to three-peat this year. The number of games it will take for the Warriors will be 6. The finals MVP will be a first-time winner Steph curry. Although the world is rooting for the Raptors no one can sleep on the dominance of the warriors.
