Warriors Top Raptors In Thriller, Force Game 6
Game 5 of the NBA Finals didn't disappoint.
With a 3-1 series lead entering tonight, the Toronto Raptors could smell their first championship.
With no safety net, the Golden State Warriors saw the return of superstar Kevin Durant return to the lineup after injuring his calf just over a month ago.
his return was short-lived. Durant left in the first half after suffering an Achilles injury, but the franchise that's won 3 of the last 4 NBA Championships dug deep.
Down 103-97 with less than 3 minutes to go, Klay Thompson nailed a 3 pointer, then Steph Curry tied the game with a 3 of his own. Moments later, Thompson hit another 3.
After a goal tend by DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins gave the Raptors 2 points, then a Cousins offensive foul, Toronto still had an opportunity to win the NBA Championship on the final possession, by Kyle Lowry's potential game winning shot from the corner went behind the backboard.
"Heart", said Klay Thompson when asked how they won game 5. "We wanted to win this for Kevin (Durant)...We know game 6 at Oracle (Arena) will be rocking."
Curry finished with 31. Thompson with 26.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for Toronto, scoring 26, including 10 straight during a 10-2 run in the 4th quarter that gave the Raptors the late 6 point lead.
Toronto coach Nick Nurse called a questionable timeout following Leonard's one-man run, something Warriors forward Draymond Green believes helped Golden State.
"Absolutely (it helped us)", said Green to ESPN's Scott Van Pelt. "That place was going bananas. The timeout allowed us to settle in and go back to what we were doing before Kawhi went crazy."
Game 6 shifts to Oakland at Oracle Arena this Thursday. Tip-off is set for 8:08.