In March 2019, the Toronto Raptors secured their first NBA championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors and marking a significant moment in Canadian sports history. This victory, however, was overshadowed by the injuries impacting both teams, particularly the absence of star player Kevin Durant for most of the series. His return for Game 5 sent shockwaves through the Raptors, contributing to a tense atmosphere that former Raptors player Serge Ibaka later described as nerve-wracking.
Durant’s Return Shakes Raptors’ Confidence
During the Finals, the Raptors took a commanding lead, going up 3-1 against a depleted Warriors squad. The Warriors had already suffered significant setbacks, with Durant missing crucial games due to a calf strain. His absence allowed Toronto to build momentum, raising questions about the legitimacy of their championship run once Durant returned.
Ibaka, who played alongside Durant for several years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, expressed mixed feelings about Durant’s comeback. “I like to have pressure,” he shared on the Hello and Welcome podcast. “But I didn’t know what to think during that time.” Despite the nerves, Ibaka remained confident in his team’s ability to win.
Durant’s presence was felt immediately in Game 5, where he scored 11 points in quick succession, including three three-pointers. Unfortunately for the Warriors, he sustained an Achilles injury during the game, which would alter the course of his career and the series. The Raptors ultimately went on to win the championship, but the path was fraught with challenges, including another injury to Klay Thompson in Game 6.
Reflecting on the 2019 Finals
In a recent episode of Ibaka’s YouTube series How Hungry Are You?, he and Durant revisited the 2019 NBA Finals, discussing the impact of Durant’s injury on the series. Ibaka asked Durant if he believed the Warriors would have won had he not been injured. Durant confidently replied, “For sure.” This sparked a friendly debate, with Ibaka countering that Toronto was “like a fire” that could not be stopped.
The Raptors had proven their resilience by overcoming a seven-game series against the Philadelphia 76ers and rallying from a 2-0 deficit against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite their impressive performances, Durant maintained that he could have been the key to halting Toronto’s momentum, stating, “I could. I was like sub-zero.” This moment of reflection highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports and the impact of individual players on a team’s success.
While the injuries to both Durant and Thompson will continue to fuel discussions about the legitimacy of Toronto’s title, every NBA championship has its complexities. Durant’s opinion on the series is clear, but he also acknowledged the Raptors’ accomplishments. The dialogue between Ibaka and Durant serves as a reminder of the intense competition and the fine line between victory and defeat in the NBA.
