Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Raptors look to overcome biggest challenge against Warriors

By David Morassutti

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors defends during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 16: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors defends during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on November 16, 2016 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Toronto Raptors host the Golden State Warriors in a battle for NBA supremacy and the biggest challenge to date for the Raptors.

It has been a surprising yet satisfying start to the season for the Toronto Raptors

and on Thursday they get biggest test when the Golden State Warriors roll into Scotiabank Arena.

Granted the reigning NBA champions are without Steph Curry but that hasn’t slowed them too much as they sit second in the Western Conference and are on a three-game winning streak. They are the team every contender measures themselves against because they know in the end the road to the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Everyone sees this game as a major building block for the Raptors and it got a boost when Klay Thompson suggested it might be a preview of June.

"“Right now they’re the best, and I expect them to be there throughout the whole season,” Thompson told reporters. “They’ve got something really special up there in Canada right now.”"

While it’s flattering to hear the Warriors shooting guard give praise, the Raptors have to be cautious because it is one thing to say those things but it doesn’t mean the reigning champs are going to lie down either.

They will be shorthanded with both Curry and Draymond Green which means Thompson and Kevin Durant will be the spotlight matchups for Kawhi Leonard and company. Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that he won’t commit to having one particular player guarding each of the Warriors stars.

"“Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, Danny Green, Kawhi, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam — I wanted them all to guard him some just to eat into him some, because those two guys are so good,” Nurse said. “That’s some of the versatility we’re talking about, and that’s really where we’re trying to grow defensively, to where we can take a number of people and put them on the go-to guys.“I imagine there will be several people guarding the main guys (Thursday).”"

More from Tip of the Tower

This is an important stretch of games for the Raptors as they prepare to play teams who are in a playoff position. However, the team needs to concentrate on the challenge that lies ahead of them.

In their last meeting, the Raptors overcame a massive second half deficit but came up short losing by two points to the Warriors as they continue to struggle against the powerhouse from the West. Golden State has won the past eight games but five of the past six games have been close games with the Raptors losing by six or fewer points.

A win over the Warriors will do a lot to cement their status in the NBA especially the media south of the border. Of course the team believes that they’re still room to grow but in a game like this, there should be no hesitancy.

They need to be confident from the start and while they might not get the calls from the officials, they have t show that they’re above that.

Next. Leadership comes in many forms. dark

What do you think about the challenge the Warriors bring tonight? Should the Raptors be worries or confident that they can pick up the win. 

Home/Toronto Raptors