Raptors still focused on big picture despite historic win

A day after the first-ever NBA Finals game in Canada resulted in a convincing and rather comfortable Game 1 victory for the Toronto Raptors, both teams were back at work. Before the series, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke about Toronto as a new opponent and how the first game of the series was going to be a feel-out game — true for any playoff series, but especially for this one.

On Friday, though, it was Nick Nurse instead who reminded everyone that Game 1’s victory won’t mean anything going into Game 2.

“We know that after a win the team that gets beat gets really determined,” Nurse said. “They try to fix things.”

At a lengthy film session in the morning, Nurse had one message for the players: “There was plenty on there that we need to do better if we want to win another game in this series,” the Raptors said.

There is always room for overreaction after a Game 1 win, but in this case, even though Nurse is trying to keep his team level-headed, it is hard to not be encouraged by not just the result of Thursday’s win, but how the Raptors got there. Pascal Siakam’s 32 points on 14-for-17 shooting was the centerpiece of one of the most complete wins of this remarkable playoff run by the Raptors.

“He’s been given a God-given ability of having a big engine with lots of energy that enables him to play with a certain speed, athleticism, and enables him to work very hard every single day,” Nurse said. “That motor he’s been given, he’s using that to the best of his ability. He soaks up things. He takes it to the court. He works, works, works. He takes care of himself. He’s really got a burning desire to be a very, very good player in this league.”

It wasn’t only Siakam. Kyle Lowry only shot 2-for-9 from the floor, but was everywhere on the court, including drawing his signature defensive charges in the fourth quarter. Danny Green finally broke out of his postseason slump with a 3-for-7 performance from downtown. Fred VanVleet continued his hot streak with 15 points. Marc Gasol was brilliant on both ends of the floor and finished with 20 points. The Raptors looked ready for the moment even on a night when Kawhi Leonard was relatively quiet on the offensive end for his standards (5-for-14 from the field, 23 points).

With Kevin Durant confirmed to be out for Game 2 on Sunday, the Raptors have a chance to seize control of this series before it shifts to Oakland. They’ll have to weather a strong fight from the championship core of the Warriors, namely Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, and that’s why Nurse knows the defensive coverage and communication on that end of the floor will need to be dialed up even more on Sunday.

The Raptors are up 1-0 in the NBA Finals, but they’re clearly not satisfied.

News and notes:

OVO Fest: Drake was at an all-time trolling level last night, showing up in a signed Dell Curry Raptors jersey and getting in the face of Steph Curry and Draymond Green during the game, and then taking the trash talking to Instagram afterwards. Green was asked about Drake’s antics at Friday’s media availability and had no problem with his courtside behavior, saying the Canadian rapper has “worked his ass off to be who he is.”

Canadiana: Steve Kerr said hearing the Canadian national anthem was one of the coolest moments he’s been a part of. There’s been plenty of hecklers by the Warriors’ team hotel in downtown Toronto and fans even set off fireworks near the place on the eve of Game 1, but Kerr is taking it all in stride. “The Canadian fans are so nice that even when they’re harassing us, they do it in a polite manner,” Kerr said.

ICYMI: William Lou and I recorded our Game 1 NBA Finals reaction podcast at Scotiabank Arena last night, you can find all the relevant links here. Aside from breaking down Game 1, we also spoke about why Raptors fans should not feed into the negative energy of opposing fanbases reminding them of Kawhi’s impending free agency, and a pitch to have Jurassic Park at Pacific Mall.

More Raptors coverage from Yahoo Sports