3 Reasons the Raptors Will Defeat the Warriors in the NBA Finals

It's NBA Finals time and the matchup is set. The Golden State Warriors will represent the West for the fifth year in a row as they look to complete a three-peat. They face the Toronto Raptors who are making their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. Most people don't seem to think that the Raptors can match up with the star-studded Warriors, but here are three reasons why they can not only hold their own, but win the whole series.

1. Kawhi Leonard is the Best Player in the Finals

Milwaukee Bucks v Toronto Raptors - Game Six / Claus Andersen

Simply put, Kawhi has been the best player in the postseason. He has averaged 31.2 points per game and has provided lockdown defense on some of the league's premier stars at the other end of the court. Before getting Kawhi, the Raptors consistently failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, but that all changed when Leonard came to the 6. If he continues to play at this insanely high level, Golden State won't be able to stop him on either end of the floor.

2. Kevin Durant is Still Injured

Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors - Game Five / Ezra Shaw

Kevin Durant has been out with a calf injury since Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. Since then, the postseason pressure has been placed heavily on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, who have dutifully answered the call. Throughout this season and the last, KD has been Golden State's leading scorer and has made the Warriors a lot harder to defend. They have functioned effectively without him, but they haven't faced a side as loaded as Toronto. This will be the true test of whether the Warriors are better without KD, as Leonard and the Raptors will not hold anything back.

3. Kyle Lowry Will Play With a Chip on his Shoulder

Milwaukee Bucks v Toronto Raptors - Game Four / Gregory Shamus

Kyle Lowry's postseason performance has drawn ire from many fans across the league. After enduring a brutal first two rounds, Lowry bounced back and was extremely effective against the Bucks. He was taking charges like a madman and his intensity helped the Raptors in pivotal stretches. Now, faced up against a more formidable opponent, Lowry has the chance to rewrite the narrative that was hastily cast upon him as a result of a series of rough outings. He's no Steph Curry, not by a long shot, but Lowry is still a great player and could be the series' X-factor.

The odds are stacked against the Raptors, no one doubts that. But most spectators believe Golden State will take the series quickly and easily. With Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry pushing the Raptors forward, and Golden State having to play without KD, the series is really up for grabs.