By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2019 NBA Finals aren’t over just yet. The Golden State Warriors barely held on to defeat the Toronto Raptors, 106-105, at the Scotiabank Arena and cut their opponents’ lead in the best-of-seven series to 3-2 on Monday.
The visitors led for all but 53 seconds up to the final minutes. The Raptors refused to give up early and behind Kawhi Leonard’s two huge triples, got back in front, 103-97. However, the Warriors provided additional answers to grab the “W”.
Stephen Curry went for 31 points with five threes including his tying shot with 1:22 to go. Klay Thompson afterwards nailed the go-ahead triple, his seventh of the night, to finish with 26 points. The defending champions made twenty shots beyond the arc, but ultimately needed a strong defensive effort in the last seconds to prevail.
Kevin Durant finally returned to action, but only lasted 12 minutes before exiting with a right leg injury. He nailed three triples and ended up with 11 points. Kevon Looney also left early after aggravating his chest injury. Swede Jonas Jerebko didn’t leave the bench.
Leonard poured a team-high 26 points. Kyle Lowry followed with 18 points and Marc Gasol ended up with 17 points, eight rebounds and a pair of dimes despite facing foul trouble. Serge Ibaka posted 15 points, six boards, one assist, one rejection and one steal. OG Anunoby didn’t play.
Down 3-2, the Warriors will host Game 6 on Thursday evening. A second straight victory will bring Game 7 on Sunday at the Scotiabank Arena, otherwise the Raptors will travel back to Canada as NBA champions.
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