Analysis: Finals-bound Raptors channel Kawhi Leonard’s focus as Warriors await
Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard hoists the trophy after the Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 100-94 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday. By Ben Golliver Ben Golliver NBA reporter Email Bio Follow May 26 at 2:10 AM This was the type of win to get lost in, a victory 24 painful seasons in the making that sent thousands of fans pouring into the streets and made a world-famous rapper jump in childlike joy.
Their collective focus remained on their upcoming series with the back-to-back champion Golden State Warriors, rather than on their long-awaited postseason breakthrough. This year, the all-NBA forward acclimated to a new country, a new coach and a new cast of teammates before drilling a series-winning buzzer-beater in the second round and thoroughly outplaying MVP favorite Giannis Antetokounmpo in the East Finals. Leonard has averaged 31.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the playoffs to state his case as the heir to LeBron James as the best player in basketball. Indeed, Ujiri used those exact words moments to describe Leonard after the Game 6 buzzer.
“Let the big dog eat,” Lowry said, explaining why he held the ball up on the break before dishing to Leonard. “I’m always going to look for the guy that I know can finish with the best of them.” The Warriors represent a supreme challenge to the Raptors, and their Finals matchup is a quintessential case of “blue blood” versus “new blood.” Golden State is seeking its fourth title under Coach Steve Kerr after becoming the first team to reach the Finals in five straight seasons since Bill Russell’s Celtics.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have led the Warriors to a 5-0 record since Durant sustained a calf strain in the second round, and they will enjoy nine days of rest after sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals.
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