The Toronto Raptors are in the the NBA playoffs for the first time. Clinching their spot after a Game 6 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference finals. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors swept the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals.
After a Game 1 victory in Scotiabank Arena, the warriors fought back in Game 2 to tie 1-1. Game 3 returned to Oracle Arena where the Golden State Warriors lost on their home turf giving the Raptors a 2-1 lead and momentum heading into Game 4. The Warriors were unable to capitalize on their home advantage. Despite gaining guard Klay Thompson who missed Game 3 with a hamstring injury and lead the warriors with 28 points including 6 three point baskets in Game 4, the Toronto Raptors won again taking the series to 3-1 and giving an opportunity to win the finals at home in Game 5.
The Warriors have sorely missed Kevin Durant, the Warriors best player during playoffs, out with a calf injury and unable to return to stem the bleeding. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have struggled with their shooting, while the Toronto Raptors stepped up their game with Kawhi Leonard leading the offense.
The series returns to Scotiabank Arena for Game 5 as Canadian fans have high hopes finals MVP Kawhi Leonard can continue to deliver postseason for Toronto. Home-court advantage brought Toronto it's first NBA title in this unexpected matchup.
Kevin Durant made a surprise appearance starting Game 5 for the Golden State Warriors, but was reinjured after leading the Warriors to an early lead. A roller coaster, the Warriors fought back with consecutive three pointers winning 106-105 despite the Toronto Raptors chance at a series winning buzzer beater by Kyle Lowry came up short. The series headed back to Oracle Arena for Game 6!
In the end there was to be no Game 7 as the Raptors made history beating the Warriors 114-110 at Oracle Arena, becoming the first Canadian team to ever win the championship. Toronto was lead by Kyle Lowry with 26 points and redemption from Game five's missed buzzer beater. Strong Siakam racked up 26 points as well and VanVleet added 22 points to seal Toronto's victory by 4. Scores were tight throughout the first half with the raptors leading by three but the Warriors fought back to take the lead in the third quarter. The final quarter was neck and neck however a key difference in Toronto's victory over the Warriors was offensive play, where they sunk more 3 pointers than the Warriors.
Canadians who traveled to witness the victory in Oakland, California were outnumbered by those celebrating in "Jurassic Parks" throughout the country viewing the finals games on large screens in public outdoor venues. Raptor fans were ecstatic staying long after the game ended to celebrate.
