NBA Finals 2019: 3 heated battles to watch out for

It is a year since Golden State's clean sweep of the Cavaliers, and they're back this year, hoping to repeat that performance. Getting to the Finals has been constant for them for the past five years.

However, if they maintain their streak this year, Golden State will become the fourth team in NBA history to win three or more titles in a row. The Raptors, on the other hand, are just as eager for the title, although for a different reason.

It is the first time, in the franchise history that Toronto have made it to the finals. Their patience has paid off after being ousted by the Cavaliers for three straight years. A Finals victory implies a championship not only to a different city but to a different country altogether. The Raptors have beaten Golden State in both their matches this season, a streak which they would hope to continue.

Let us take a look at the critical battles in this matchup:

#1 The Klaw against KD

One of the best moves made by the Raptors this season was trading DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. He has easily been one of the best players for the team and has had arguably his best season so far, averaging 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.

In the playoffs, these numbers have gone up as he averages 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year is also shooting 87.5% at the free-throw line. He will undoubtedly strike terror into Golden State's hopes of winning the title.

Kevin Durant, Kawhi's counterpart at Golden State, happens to be just as good as him, if not better. The two-time Finals MVP would be looking to add one more award to his collection. Throughout the regular season, he has averaged 26 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. A calf injury against the Rockets in game 5 of the Conference Semi-Finals has kept him out ever since. He is also set to miss Game 1 of the Finals but will hopefully be back for Game 2.

#2 The Splash Brothers versus Danny Green and Fred VanVleet

Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are one of the main reasons why this is Golden State's fifth Finals appearance in a row. Their ability to 'Splash' three-point shots from nearly any angle is what earned them the nickname, 'Splash Brothers'. Both of them have also won the 3-point contest in 2015 and 2016 respectively. It is dangerous to go against even one of them, and together the duo is deadly for even the best of teams.

One of the four players in Toronto who has a Finals experience is Danny Green. He shot 45.5 % from the three-point line this regular season which propelled him to get selected for the 3-point contest as well.

However, he has failed to replicate that performance in the playoffs and would be hoping to get back in shape for the Finals. Fred VanVleet, on the other hand, has been smoking threes in the last few games against the Bucks. Game 5 saw him shoot 7/9 threes off the bench and in Game 6, he scored 4/5 as a reserve. He would hope to maintain this form against the Warriors.

#3 Marc Gasol versus DeMarcus Cousins

Marc Gasol and 'Boogie' Cousins are centers for the Raptors and Warriors respectively. Both of them have proven to be a vital cog for their teams as they give their teams an extra three-point option apart from the usual rim protection.

Marc Gasol has been averaging a staggering 44.2% from the 3-point line which is incredible for a center. Toronto also have a good reserve in Serge Ibaka and making him play in the middle quarters helps keep Gasol fresh in the crucial end moments of the game.

Cousins is still recovering from a torn quadriceps muscle which occurred in the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers. The absence of DeMarcus Cousins has meant more playing time for Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney. Although he would be a boost to the team, the Warriors would still be excellent without him as most of their gameplay is beyond the arc.