NBA Finals 2019: 3 Things Toronto Raptors need to do to beat the Golden State Warriors

The Toronto Raptors have reached the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. They have been superb throughout the playoffs.

They started off their playoff campaign with a shocking loss to the Orlando Magic. But they recovered brilliantly and won the series 4-1. Then they had a marathon 7 game series against the Philadelphia 76ers which was decided on a series-winning buzzer beater by Kawhi Leonard. In the Eastern Conference finals, the Raptors won four consecutive games to see off the challenge of the Greek Freak and the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors have played great throughout the year. They even finished with a better regular season record than the Warriors and hence, will be having home court advantage in the NBA Finals. But still they start as underdogs against the defending champs.

Let's have a look at the three key things that the Toronto Raptors need to do to beat the Golden State Warriors:

#3 Use their superior bench strength

Milwaukee Bucks v Toronto Raptors - Game Six

The Warriors' bench unit comprising of Quinn Cook, Kevon Looney, Jonas Jerebko, Jordan Bell played superbly in the Western Conference Finals. But they lacked consistency throughout the season and cannot be trusted upon in pressure situations. One of the biggest concerns throughout the season for the Warriors was their lack of bench strength.

On the other hand, the Raptors have one of the best bench units in the entire NBA. Fred VanVleet was exceptional in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Bucks. His amazing shooting from beyond the arc was one of the biggest reasons for Raptors' success.

Serge Ibaka and Norman Powell were also great. They have the capability to dominate the Warriors' bench unit. The Raptors must utilize their superior bench advantage.

#2 Proper utilization of Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard is the best two way player in the NBA. His defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest reason that the Raptors managed to top the Bucks and reach the NBA Finals.

But defending Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry is a totally different proposition. Kevin Durant has no weakness on the offensive end. Stephen Curry needs to be defended the moment he crosses half-court.

Kawhi Leonard has a massive responsibility on the offensive end as well. He has been averaging around 30 points per game in the playoffs and is also shooting with great efficiency. Nick Nurse has to properly manage his defensive assignments. Leonard has to be conditioned in a way that it doesn't affect his offensive production. The Raptors possess some great All-Defensive NBA players in Marc Gasol, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka. They need to handle the load of guarding the Warriors superstars.

#1 Stopping Stephen Curry

Steph Curry will be gunning for his first Finals MVP award

Stephen Curry is the most revolutionary player in the NBA. He is also the most important player for the Dubs having reached the NBA Finals on five consecutive occasions and is the favorite to win his first finals MVP award. He has been leading the league in offensive efficiency for years now.

It is imperative that the Raptors manage to restrict Steph in this series. Curry is coming off an unbelievable Western Conference Finals in which he averaged 36.5 points per game on a true shooting percentage of 66%.

Klay Thompson and Draymond Green were also superb for the Warriors. The Raptors need to disrupt the rhythm of Green because he impacts the game so much with his unlimited energy. The Raptors need to be on their toes on the defensive end and they need to switch quickly to the Warriors' shooters and prevent them from having open shots.