Tale of the Tape: The 2019 NBA Final, Golden State Warriors vs. Toronto Raptors
May 31, 2019Ahead of tonight’s NBA Final tip-off between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, the Fan Verdict has a closer look at the numbers behind both teams’ playoff runs and how they match up head-to-head.
This is the 2019 NBA Final edition of the Fan Verdict’s tale of the tape.
Team Offense
| Golden State Warriors | Toronto Raptors | |
| Points/Game | 117.3 (2nd) | 104.9 (10th) |
| Field Goal % | 48.7% (1st) | 44.1% (8th) |
| 3PT % | 37.0% (1st) | 34.5% (5th) |
| Turnovers | 14.3 (9th) | 11.8 (4th) |
| Offensive Rating | 116.4 (1st) | 108.1 (9th) |
The high-powered offense of the Golden State Warriors comes with no surprise. There offense is heavily reliant on their three-point shot that is extremely effective. The Warriors have led the playoffs in efficiency both in field goal and three-point percentage. Remember, this is a Warriors team that trailed behind for most of the conference finals against the Portland Trailblazers but, their ability to go on scoring runs that makes them look unstoppable at times, has booked them a ticket to the NBA final. The Raptors have an adequate offense led by Kawhi Leonard but, the Golden State Warriors are on a whole other level.
Advantage: Golden State Warriors
Team Defense
| Golden State Warriors | Toronto Raptors | |
| Opposing Points/Game | 110.5 (11th) | 99.6 (2nd) |
| Opposing Field Goal % | 44.2% (7th) | 41.7% (2nd) |
| Opposing 3PT % | 36.5% (10th) | 31.3% (3rd) |
| Opposition Points off TOs | 16.8 (10th) | 13.6 (4th) |
| Defensive Rating | 110.2 (9th) | 102.4 (2nd) |
If there’s any defense that can stop the Golden State Warriors, it is the one of the Toronto Raptors. This team has heavily relied on their defensive play to transition and convert on the offensive end. Throughout the playoffs, the Raptors have been top five in most defensive categories. Effective defensive play, led by the league’s best defensive player in Kawhi Leonard, has gotten the Raptors to their first ever final. As the saying goes, defense wins championships and the Raptors will try to prove it true.
Advantage: Toronto Raptors
Starting Five
| Golden State Warriors | Toronto Raptors | |
| Point Guard | Stephen Curry | Kyle Lowry |
| Shooting Guard | Klay Thompson | Danny Green |
| Small Forward | Andre Iguodala | Kawhi Leonard |
| Power Forward | Draymond Green | Pascal Siakam |
| Center | Andrew Bogut | Marc Gasol |
The Golden State Warriors led by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have the best starting five heading into the finals. Even without Kevin Durant, the scoring ability by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson paired with the defensive play by Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green is a force to be reckoned with. The Raptors have a solid starting five but the superstar power of this Warriors lineup along with their experience on the biggest stage puts them out front.
Advantage: Golden State Warriors
Bench Depth
| Golden State Warriors | Toronto Raptors |
| Kevon Looney (F) | Serge Ibaka (F) |
| Jordan Bell (F) | Fred VanVleet (G) |
| Shaun Livingston (G) | Norman Powell (G) |
| Alfonzo McKinnie (F) | |
| Quinn Cook (G) | |
| Jonas Jerebko (F) |
The Toronto Raptors bench can be the difference maker in this series. Fred VanVleet has been shooting lights out since the birth of his baby, playoff Norman Powell has proved to be clutch in big moments and the versatility of Serge Ibaka on both ends of the court has been huge. The Raptors have firepower coming off the bench. Don’t be surprised if they are a big part of Toronto’s success this series.
Advantage: Toronto Raptors
Coaching
Golden State Warriors: Steve Kerr (5th NBA Finals appearance)
Toronto Raptors: Nick Nurse (1st NBA Finals appearance)
What Nick Nurse has done this season in getting the Raptors to their first ever NBA final in his first season as a head coach is an incredible feat. However, what Steve Kerr has been able to do over the past five seasons with the Warriors has been even more unbelievable. Both coaches have proved they have the ability to make adjustments and draw up effective plays in the most crucial times but, Steve Kerr has the experience. Five straight final appearances goes a long way. Especially against a team that is playing in their first final in franchise history.
Advantage: Golden State Warriors
Final Score: 3-2 Golden State Warriors
With no surprise, the Warriors superstar power and experience in this NBA final matchup gives them the edge over the Toronto Raptors. However, the Raptors superior defense and explosive bench players may give the Warriors a harder time than people predict. Can the Warriors three-peat? Can the Raptors pull off the unthinkable and win their first NBA title? Regardless of what the answers to those questions may be, NBA fans are in for a historical championship series.
Loading ...
