The ripple effects of the 2019 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors are still felt to this day. While some believe that had Klay Thompson not gotten injured in Game 6 the Warriors would have won out, Fred VanVleet obviously isn't one of those people.

On a recent appearance on The Draymond Green Show hosted by the Warriors star, VanVleet kept it real on their titanic matchup. According to the Raptors guard, with Kevin Durant sidelines, they had hands down the better team. Here's why:

“I felt like we were a much better team than y'all without Kevin [Durant] because we had the depth and there was just certain matchups we could pick on. Some of the guys y'all was playing in those moments wasn't what we were used to seeing from the Warriors dynasty, bringing some of those guys up to speed. Whether it was Alfonzo McKinnie, Quinn Cook, Boogie, those were new guys to what y'all was doing,” said VanVleet.

The Raptors ended up taking Game 6, 114-110 after Klay Thompson went down in the third quarter. VanVleet closed things out in the fourth as he poured in 12 of his 22 points in the final frame.

Article Continues Below
More Toronto Raptors News
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at Fiserv Forum.
Raptors rumors: Giannis, Toronto hold ‘mutual trade interest,’ with a ‘wild card’Zachary Weinberger ·
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri looks on court side before a NBA game against the Miami Heat at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors rumors: Brian Windhorst hints at possible ‘big fish’ tradeZachary Weinberger ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide center Clifford Omoruyi (11) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Ranking 5 best Kon Knueppel destinations in 2025 NBA DraftJulian Ojeda ·
Toronto Maple Leafs President and Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan watched the game Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Scotiabank Arena
Why Brendan Shanahan’s exit from Maple Leafs could be good news for RaptorsAlex House ·
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it up
Ranking 5 best Darius Garland trade destinations if Cavs blow it upJulian Ojeda ·
Collin Murray-Boyles, Noa Essengue, Khaman Maluach in the middle, Head coach Darko Rajakovic, and GM Bobby Webster around them, Toronto Raptors wallpaper in the background
Toronto Raptors’ 3 best options for No. 9 pick in 2025 NBA DraftEnzo Flojo ·

While it's hard to argue that a team is better than the Warriors, even without Kevin Durant, the Raptors certainly had a case given their level of depth. With Kawhi Leonard at the helm, flanked by All-Stars in Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam, plus veterans in Marc Gasol, Danny Green, Serge Ibaka, and VanVleet himself, their club was downright stacked.

However you feel about the claim, it”ll forever go down as a huge “What If?” moment in NBA history.