2017-18 Houston Rockets vs. 2018-19 Toronto Raptors

PhiEaglesfan712 · Post #1 » by **PhiEaglesfan712** » Tue May 3, 2022 2:55 pm

The 2017-18 Houston Rockets, led by James Harden and Chris Paul, finished with a 65-17 record and just missed the NBA Finals.

The 2018-19 Toronto Raptors, led by Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, finished 58-24 and won the NBA Championship.

ShotCreator · Post #2 » by **ShotCreator** » Tue May 3, 2022 3:32 pm

Houston had better players. Which is why they performed much better in a better conference despite Harden and Paul missing 33 games combined.

Toronto has the versatility and coaching advantage. But they have to have that. They didn’t have the talent Houston did.

Straightforward question and answer. Toronto is more matchup proof but the better team just isn’t questionable.

70sFan · Post #3 » by **70sFan** » Tue May 3, 2022 4:45 pm

I think Raptors size could cause a lot of problems for Houston. Harden loved that hunting offense, but to be honest you won't find anyone on Raptors team to be hunted (maybe except Gasol, but I don't think it'd be a great idea to try that). Lowry is basically a perfect option to defend past physical peak Paul as well.

On the other hand, I guess Tucker would guard Kawhi and I'm sure he'd do considerable job. The question is who would take Siakam matchup. Pascal was very important piece of that team and I'm not sure Houston were versatile enough.

I will be very close series, but I think I trust Raptors defense more than Houston's ball. Raptors in 6-7 games would be my bet.