It was Toronto’s game to lose and they did, disappointing fans from coast to coast and beyond. Golden State, down 3-1 in the NBA Championship series, started Kevin Durant, who hadn’t played in a month, and he made an impact draining 11 points before injuring his leg again in the 2nd quarter. He didn’t return and was seen on crutches after the game.
One report said it was an Achilles injury. Kevon Looney was obviously playing hurt and didn’t play in the 2nd half. GS led by Steph Curry (31 points)and Klay Thompson (26 points) dominated the first half, at one point leading by 14. Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard had 13 points at the half, scored only one point in the 3rd but finished with 26 after scoring the Raptors first 10 points in the 4th quarter. He started the run that got Toronto to within 2 with 5:30 left.
The Raps took the lead but GS answered with crucial 3 pointers from Curry and Thompson. It came down to the last play of the game. Toronto had the ball that ended up in Lowry’s hands in the corner. His 3-point attempt was partially blocked by Draymond Green and became an air ball which gave GS the 106-105 win. It was a tough game for both teams and could have gone either way through the last 2-3 minutes.
For Toronto, Marc Gasol had 17(15 in the first half), Lowry 18, Ibaka 15, VanVleet 11 and Siakam 12. Golden State was helped by DeMarcus Cousins coming off the bench for 14 points and Draymond Green with a double double (10 points, 10 rebounds). He also received a technical, one more and he will be suspended for one game.
Toronto has a chance to make history by winning game 6 or even game 7 if necessary to claim the first NBA Championship trophy to be won outside the US. Game 6 is Thursday in Oakland.
