Toronto Raptors get job done as real challenge lies ahead in NBA Finals

The Toronto Raptors overcame a couple of deficits to move past the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 setting up an NBA Finals showdown with the Golden State Warriors.

If you are still in shock after the Toronto Raptors clinched the Eastern Conference championship with a 100-94 win over the Milwaukee Bucks it is understandable.

Sports fans in this city and country, to a certain degree, have come to expect their teams to come up short of winning a championship. However, things started to change over the past couple of years with Toronto FC, the Toronto Marlies, Toronto Wolfpack and Toronto Argonauts winning titles in the past couple of years.

However, what the Raptors are doing right now is on another level and not to disregard what those other teams accomplished but this has to be the most memorable playoff run since the Toronto Blue Jays last won the World Series in 2013.

To give you an idea of the magnitude of this day, fans were lining up hours before tipoff to go watch the game at Jurrasic Park despite a massive thunderstorm and downpour. The lineup even stretched around Union Station something that has never been seen before.

There are many reasons to be impressed with the Raptors performance in this series. Not only did they beat the team with the best record in the NBA but they did it by completing the reverse sweep when people were doubting them after losing the first two in Milwaukee.

Seeing the crowd serenade Kyle Lowry was a sight to behold considering the number of people doubting whether he could perform in the post-season. For seven seasons he has given his heart and soul to this team and is finally getting rewarded for it.

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Now they move on to their toughest challenge yet with the Golden State Warriors. A team that has reached their fifth-straight NBA Finals appearance and will probably be the favourites.

Toronto swept the season series but have not seen the Warriors at full strength and probably won’t with Kevin Durant questionable to start the Finals and DeMarcus Cousins out for the rest of the season.

The injuries have forced other players to step up for Golden State especially Steph Curry and Draymond Green and you can expect them to lead the charge against the Raptors. Hopefully, the time off gives Leonard some time to rest because he is going to need it.

There will be many storylines, matchups and X-factors to keep an eye on as we get closer to the first game on May 30, but for now, Raptors fans should enjoy this accomplishment because the real challenge lies ahead.

What did you think about the Raptors series against the Bucks? Do they have a chance against the Warriors in the NBA Finals? Let us know in the comments below.