The North Remembers: 2019 Raptors Championship Was a Tactical Masterclass

The Raptors didn't just beat the Warriors. They systematically dismantled one of the greatest offenses in NBA history. Toronto’s defense held Golden State to 105.8 points per game, which was roughly 12 points below their regular-season average in the 2018-19 season.

• The Raptors were so consistent that they won or tied 19 of the 24 quarters played in the Finals.
• In a rare tactical move for the NBA, Raptors head coach Nick Nurse deployed a "Box-and-One" defense in Game 2 to neutralize Warriors guard Stephen Curry. This defensive scheme disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm and forced other players to take uncomfortable shots.

Pascal Siakam’s Historic Efficiency

While Kawhi Leonard won Finals MVP, Pascal Siakam's Game 1 performance remains one of the most efficient outings in Finals history.

• Siakam scored 32 points on 14-of-17 shooting (82.4 per cent) in a Game 1 victory at home. This made him only the seventh player ever to score 30+ points on 80 per cent or better shooting in a Finals game, joining Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, among others.
• At one point in Game 1, Siakam made 11 consecutive field goals, effectively silencing a Golden State team that had won their previous four Game 1s.

Free Throws

In championship series, the easy points can often decide the winner. The Raptors outclassed the Warriors at the charity stripe, finishing the series shooting 86 per cent compared to the Warriors' 79.9 per cent.

This gap accounted for an average of 3.0 more points per game for Toronto, which was crucial in a series where multiple games were decided in the final minutes.

Impact on Canada Basketball

The championship's legacy extends far beyond the Larry O’Brien trophy and the title for the Raptors. It fundamentally altered the trajectory of Canadian basketball:

Masai Ujiri Became a Legend

• Masai Ujiri’s decision to fire the reigning Coach of the Year (Dwane Casey) and trade franchise icon DeMar DeRozan was a high-risk gamble that defied conventional NBA wisdom, but it paid off in the end.
• The Raptors' bench, led by undrafted free agent Fred VanVleet and trade acquisition Serge Ibaka, was statistically the most impactful unit in the 2019 playoffs. In Game 6, VanVleet hit several clutch three-pointers in the fourth quarter, finishing with 22 points and receiving a Finals MVP vote of his own.
• The trade for Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol at the deadline for former No. 5 overall pick Jonas Valanciunas was also a risk, but it was another hit as it helped Toronto reach the mountaintop.

The 2019 run proved that a recently-traded superstar, a rookie head coach with a background in British and G League basketball, and a roster of scrappy overlooked talent could win it all.

Where Are They Now?

A majority of the 2019 Toronto Raptors roster is still playing in the NBA. While some key contributors like Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka have retired, others find themselves participating in this year's playoffs.

OG Anunoby is a starting forward for the New York Knicks, while Kawhi Leonard is the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Clippers and Kyle Lowry is likely in his final NBA season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Norman Powell, Pascal Siakam, and Fred VanVleet are not participating in the playoffs, but they are key contributors for the Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets, respectively.

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