5 reasons the Toronto Raptors can win the NBA Championship

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 6: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors looks on with Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 6, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 30: Brandon Sampson #44 of the Chicago Bulls attempts a shot while being guarded by Marc Gasol #33 of the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter at the United Center on March 30, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Defense

The Raptors have not had the best defense in the NBA this season, but they’ve been close, finishing fifth in defensive efficiency. However, I cannot help but believe that the Raptors may have the highest defensive ceiling of any team in the playoffs. While neither Kawhi Leonard or Marc Gasol are at their Defensive Player of the Year-winning peaks, both are still respectively capable of great perimeter defense and rim protection in bursts.

Siakam, Ibaka, Anunoby, and Danny Green have also been reliable defenders for Toronto this season and, again, Nick Nurse can arrange them in a number of different ways to throw off opponents. The Raptors will almost certainly be a very difficult team to score against these playoffs, which will aid them tremendously as they try to take the Eastern Conference crown.

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