The moment wasn't too big for the Raptors, which it very well could have been. This is not shocking, however, considering they were at home. I highly doubt the game would have played out the same way in Oakland, and the Warriors are not used to starting a series in the road. Also, they had 7 days off, so rust was clearly a factor.
I picked the Warriors to win in 6. I believe this despite thinking each game will be close. I'm sticking with my pick, assuming the Warriors win game 2. There is no reason to panic, game 2 is a must win now. They should be fine, but they cannot slack off at all. Toronto presents a unique challenge, due to their length and defensive prowess. The Raptors are far superior on defense to Portland, and their are feeling confident after shutting down the probable league MVP in Giannis Antentukuompo.
The question of whether or not Kevin Durant will return is being ratcheted up now. His elite scoring ability and length would be the great equalizer, since the rest of the Warrior team is undersized. As great as they are offensively, Steph Curry is the only other player who can create his own shot. Klay Thompson is a catch-and-shoot guy, and Draymond is most effective in the pick and roll. DeMarcus Cousin made his return, but he was less than impressive. Although his big body and energy made him have a presence, his was too robotic and awkward to have a real impact on the game. He only played eight minutes.
Champions crush the enemy when they are wounded, which is why Game 2 is so critical for Toronto. If they lose, the series will be tied and the Warriors will have momentum (which is what I predict). If Toronto wins, they will have a commanding 2-0 lead. Now that they have some pressure on them, the Raptors must respond in kind. They will go as far as their role players take them. Namely Pascal Siakam. I expect Marc Gasol to have a veteran presence, and Fred Van Vleet should be able to hit some threes. But Siakam actually seems like a borderline star. I do not question his ability, just his lack of experience. He had some mediocre games earlier in the playoffs, so I have to see him dominate an entire series to believe it. He needs to, because it appears Kawhi Leonard is incapable of carrying the team like has been. If Siakam falls off, I doubt anyone can step up as a consistent second scorer.
The Warriors are still the class of the NBA, but now they are being tested a bit. They are never flustered by bad starts, because the usually take over with third quarter bursts. The aforementioned rust was a big factor, but the Warriors were definitely unprepared. Toronto is an unfamiliar opponent, as Klay Thompson stated in his postgame press conference. Their defensive rotations were subpar, leading to the Raptors hitting a bunch of early threes and grabbing the momentum. Though understandable, I still blame the coach. Steve Kerr need to make some major adjustments in game two. This is where I believe experience factors in, as I fully expect those changes to be made. Kerr is having his coaching merit truly tested, since he has to deal with coming up new schemes not featuring Durant, as well as dealing with the pressure of forcing him back. I never though Kerr was just along for the ride, but my opinion may change if the Warriors get swept away in this series. I fully expect them to turn things around Sunday night and win 115-104.
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