For the first time in five years, what we saw in the championship game was not the drama of the Warriors versus the Cavaliers. With new challengers and rival combinations, the series not only brings fresh focus, but the two teams also have many emotional coincidences as they are destined to do. Before you turn on the TV to watch the championship game, here are ten things to watch.
1.Stephen Curry once again challenges for the Finals Most Valuable Player Award
warrior dynasty from Stephen Curry His unstoppable shot started. In addition to the championship title, he also won the Most Valuable Player of the Year twice (one of which was unanimously elected). However, he always failed to win the FMVP award, which rewards the best player in the most intense series. the least bit. onceAndre IgudalaTurning around the image of the series allowed him to win the FMVP.Kevin DurantRegardless of statistics and actual combat power, he is the biggest competitor for FMVP. So what about this series where KD is likely to miss many games?
Further reading:Epic shooter Stephen Curry’s top 6 playoff moments
2.Marc Gasol (and Serge Ibaka) defense
first roundNikola Vucevic, second roundJoel Embiid, from DongguanGiannis AntetokounmpoTraditional center, new era center, large breakthrough forward,Marc GasolHe helped the Raptors solve the opponent's offensive starting point along the way. His personal defense and the experience and skill of commanding the team's defense are the invisible MVP of the Raptors all the way. But what about the Warriors, who like to attack the center through screens? Gasol not only has to face Curry andDraymond GreenPick-and-rolls, and constantly dealing with running shooters and defenses, mobility will be a big test.
Further reading:Unknown giant? Draymond Green’s top 5 playoff moments
3.Marc Gasol (with Serge Ibaka) ofattack
Whether they can reduce damage on defense will be the key to whether the Raptors' two main players in the penalty area can stay on the court. As long as they can stay in the game smoothly, they can attack the Warriors' penalty area on offense. Gasol and Ibaka both have the ability to open up the space for three-pointers, and their destructive power in the penalty area will be great in this series. After Gasol joined the Raptors, he basically focused on handling the ball from the high position. Will the Raptors try to change their attack pattern to address this?
4. Wounded soldiers
Kevin DurantandDeMarcus CousinsThe injury affects the trend of the entire series. Whether or not the two major injured players return not only represents the increase and decrease in combat strength (KD almost directly offsets Kawhi) but also the increase in the tactical system. It will also change the strategies of the two teams in arranging matchups. At present, KD has been confirmed to miss the first game, and his cousin's status is listed as "questionable." However, both of them have flown to Toronto away from home with the team, which means that there is a chance of returning in the second game.
Further reading:Death cannot be deceived! Kevin Durant’s top 5 playoff moments
5.Kawhi Leonard’s Journey to Godhood
Except for that shot that bounced four times and was the only game-winner in Game 7 in history,Kawhi LeonardHe almost single-handedly carried the Raptors into the Eastern Conference Finals on the offensive end. Not only was he ranked No. 1 in the league for his outstanding form, he also began to be widely compared to the god of basketball, Michael Jordan. He is also a superstar on the wing. What the Warriors are facing this time is notLeBron JamesThis kind of super giant who can also take on organizational tasks is a singles machine that needs to be positioned and finished with powerful offensive weapons. His state is the lifeblood of the Raptors' offense and will be the first chapter of the Warriors' defensive strategy.
Further reading:War Machine Kawhi Leonard’s top 6 playoff moments
Extended video:Michael Jordan's 50 greatest hits
6. Key figures
Fred VanVleetHis immediate response was the key factor that allowed the Raptors to eliminate the Bucks with four consecutive victories. He andNorman PowellHis performance made the Bucks who tried to double-team Leonard pay the price, and this is the essence of what the little guys should do in the championship: seize opportunities when their opponents make choices due to defensive strategies. Just like the Warriors, wing Andre Igudala,Alfonzo McKinnie of the open outside line, orKevon LooneyWait for players in the penalty area to get offensive rebounds when the opponent makes unlimited changes. Even a small person needs to test his heart.
7. Toronto Avengers
Even after Durant retired due to injury, the Warriors still won Game 6 in Houston. They also swept the Trail Blazers with a constant reversal in the Western Conference finals, demonstrating the experience, foundation and ability to adjust as a champion. On the other side, although the Raptors are a newcomer to the championship game for the first time in team history, their main players also have rich playoff experience. Kawhi Leonard andDanny GreenThey are all members of the Spurs championship. Marc Gasol's Grizzlies have always been a strong team in the Western Conference. Serge Ibaka has also played in many conference finals with the Thunder. And against the Warriors, including Leonard's ankle and Ibaka's reversal in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, these players are not only challengers to the defending champion, but also Avengers.
8. Jeremy Lin’s final floor and home game
In addition to the focus on combat power, this championship also has many emotional connections. Although not the first player of Asian descent to reach the championship game,Jeremy LinHe is the first Asian American to reach the championship game and the first Ivy League player to reach the championship game. The opponent Warriors is the first NBA team in his career, and the home court is also in his hometown of California.
9.Steph Curry’s love affair with Toronto
Although most people talk about hometown, the Curry family is connected to Charlotte. But dadDell CurryThe entire family spent the last three years of his career playing for the Raptors in Toronto. Stephen Curry, who was in middle school at the time, was playing student basketball in Toronto. He often followed his father to the arena when he was a child, and he even knew many team members.
10. Patrick McCaw’s Warriors Dilemma
As a member of the Warriors Champions,Patrick McCawHowever, he reached an impasse when negotiating with his club during the summer vacation. He finally chose to leave the Warriors, known as the "Dream Train", and then joined the archrival Cavaliers and then the Tyrannosaurus. However, fate actually allowed him to enter the championship game again, and the opponent was still the familiar team. team.
McCawTalking about his change of mind and the mystery of his departure from the team
