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Congratulations Toronto But Warriors Are Winners Too

As Golden State shows how it’s done both on the floor and in the front office

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2019 NBA Finals - Game Six
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 13: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after hurting his leg against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 13, 2019 in Oakland, California.
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Congratulations to Toronto for winning the 2019 NBA championship. The Raptors indeed played well and are deserving champions.

Even so, look at what Golden State endured. They played for most of the playoffs without Kevin Durant, who came back only to suffer one of the worst possible injuries for an athlete, tearing his Achilles tendon. And in Game 6, Klay Thompson blew out an ACL.

Toss in all the lesser things like Kevon Looney’s playing hurt and it’s incredibly impressive that Golden State pushed Toronto to the very end.

The Raptors deserve the championship but Golden State showed immense heart and character. We hope they can get healthy and make another run. This is one of the most extraordinary teams in NBA history.

One of the reasons why is because management is not just smart but loyal. Despite both players suffering potentially career ending injuries, Golden State still plans to offer them both max contracts. It’s not what everyone would do but it sends a message: the Warriors take care of their own.

Their core is aging and eventually will retire. When it’s time to go out and find new talent, that message will be remembered. d

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