The Toronto Raptors have managed to pull off a rare feat by sweeping the mighty Golden State Warriors in their regular season series, 2-0. Steve Kerr's squad got trapped into a lull by the Kawhi Leonard-less Raptors in front of a stunned Oracle Arena crowd as the Warriors lost, 113-93.
After the game, Kerr addressed the situation, suggesting that the Warriors have an extra motivation should they meet the Canadian team in the NBA Finals.
Should Warriors and Raptors meet in the Finals, Kerr argues the Warriors would have “the edge” after losing regular season series to Toronto since they would have some motivation pic.twitter.com/Pnnn41mENX
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 13, 2018
In their first meeting, Kawhi Leonard powered Toronto with 37 points, overcoming a 51-point effort by Kevin Durant to come away victorious in overtime, 131-128. With Leonard missing Wednesday night's game, many have picked Golden State to easily avenge their earlier loss.
The void made by the MVP candidate proved to be enough of a trap for the Warriors to fall into. Durant was once again splendid with 30 points, seven, rebounds, and five assists but got very minimal support especially from Stephen Curry. Curry has been waxing hot as of late but shot a woeful 3-of-12 from the field against the defense of Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet.
The Raptors flexed their depth against the Warriors, led by Lowry's 23 points, five rebounds, 12 assists, and three steals. Toronto now sits comfortably atop the overall team standings with a 23-7 record.
However, the Raptors may have swept the Warriors in the regular season, but the result also lit a fire underneath Golden State — something that will certainly be a handful as the team slowly but surely regains its teeth and mid-season focus.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that DeMarcus Cousins is due to debut soon for the two-time defending champions.
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