Opening Ceremony for the 2019 NBA Finals. Photo by Mark Blinch via NBAE/Getty Images.
May 31, 2019 — Last night’s game was filled with a killer offensive performance by Toronto and a strong attempt from the Warriors.
It’s safe to say the Warriors were a little unprepared as to what they should’ve expected from the Raptors offense. Watching the Raptors past series matchups on film vs playing them on their home court, are two very different experiences.
Curry had a sweet yet silent 32 points last night, but it was hard to see how. Raptors defense was tough on him and Klay Thompson (21 points, five rebounds) which cut out the key perimeter shooters. Jerebko had a few good looks, as well as McKinnie, but it wasn’t enough to keep up. Right when the Warriors would decrease a ten point lead to two, the Raptors were fired up after a few great transition plays and made it difficult to keep the score close.
Pascal Siakam was the key player of the game, with a playoff high 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists. His energy pushed the Raptors to stay on top offensively and maintain a steady lead.
“I think we did pretty good job at home,” Siakam said. “The fans are amazing, man. I just want to say that. From coming out for warmup to the end of the game, it was just the support and then going crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Pascal Siakam during post-game interviews via AP/ESPN.com
The Warriors admitted in the post-game interview that their performance wasn’t their best. It’s hard to judge a team you haven’t played since 2018. Now they can analyze the game and make adjustments for redemption in Game 2.
The Warriors weren’t all bad – aside from the turn-overs and failure to switch on transition defense. If these two things are adjusted, the Dubs will look like their normal dynamite selves on the court. It wouldn’t hurt if Klay could nail a three-pointer, or four.
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