Raptors Or Warriors: Which Stars Shined Brightest? Stats Comparison

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Post on Feb 10, 2025

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Raptors or Warriors: Which Stars Shined Brightest? A Statistical Showdown

The 2019 NBA Finals delivered a thrilling clash between the Toronto Raptors and the Golden State Warriors, two teams boasting constellations of stars. But when the dust settled, which team's brightest stars truly outshone the other? Let's dive into a statistical comparison to find out.

Key Players: A Head-to-Head Look

To fairly compare, we'll focus on the key players who significantly impacted both teams' performances during the Finals. For the Raptors, we'll analyze Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, and Kyle Lowry. For the Warriors, we'll examine Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant (acknowledging his injury impacted his overall Finals contribution).

Kawhi Leonard vs. Stephen Curry: The Alpha Dogs

Both Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Curry are considered top-tier players in the league. Leonard, known for his two-way dominance, averaged an impressive 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the Finals. Curry, despite facing defensive pressure, still managed 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. While Curry's scoring was slightly lower, his playmaking was crucial for the Warriors' offensive flow. The edge here is slightly in favor of Leonard due to his superior all-around game.

Pascal Siakam vs. Klay Thompson: The Versatile Wings

Siakam's emergence as a star was solidified in these Finals. He provided a crucial scoring punch alongside Leonard, averaging 16.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Thompson, a deadly sharpshooter, averaged 19.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Thompson's scoring edge is notable, but Siakam's contribution on the boards and overall court awareness gives him a competitive edge in this comparison.

Kyle Lowry vs. Kevin Durant: The X-Factors

Lowry's Finals performance was a mixed bag, averaging 15.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. His playmaking was vital, but his shooting inconsistency was a concern. Kevin Durant, before his injury, was impactful, displaying his incredible scoring ability and all-around skill set. However, his limited minutes due to the calf injury significantly reduce the scope of this comparison. While Durant's potential impact is immense, the actual minutes played make a direct comparison unfair. Lowry's consistent playmaking, albeit with inconsistent scoring, makes him the more impactful player in the context of the entire Finals.

Beyond the Box Score: Intangibles Matter

While statistical analysis provides a valuable framework, the impact of players extends beyond mere numbers. Leonard's clutch performances, particularly his game-winning shot in Game 7, cemented his legacy. Similarly, Curry's leadership and playmaking despite facing intense defense were instrumental. These intangible factors must be considered when assessing the overall contributions of each player.

Conclusion: A Tight Race with Subtle Differences

Determining who "shone brightest" is subjective and depends on the criteria used. Statistically, Leonard's all-around dominance edges him slightly over Curry. Thompson's scoring outpaces Siakam, but Siakam's versatility provides a compelling counterpoint. The comparison between Lowry and Durant is hampered by Durant's injury, making a definitive judgment difficult. Ultimately, both teams had incredible players who contributed to a memorable Finals series. The Raptors’ victory, however, highlights the collective brilliance of their star players against a formidable opponent.