NBA Finals: Raptors and Siakam get a real chance

Toronto is merely at one game from the first NBA champion title in their history. This is the main teaching of this weekend after the second victory of the Canadians acquired at Oracle Arena against Golden State in these finals (105-92 for the visitors). It is quite risky to play at home in this series: over the two games played in California, the Warriors lost twice. Led 3-1 by Toronto, they must win next Monday, absolutely, to have a chance to defend their title.

For what may be the ultimate game of Golden State at Oracle Arena before moving to Chase Center in the next season (unless they win in Toronto next week and play a game 6 in Oakland), the double champions in title were dominated practically the whole game, except for the first quarter won 23-17. This being said, the Warriors, who are understanding that their bench is maybe not as good as it should be and who miss Kevin Durant a lot, were outclassed by Raptors who can always rely on their team spirit and players compensating whenever some others are less performant.

As a symbol, the third quarter which is accustomed to being the strong period of Golden State was taken 37-21 by Toronto, led by Kawhi Leonard and his 36 points. Pascal Siakam added up 19 points. The relatively low performance, in terms of points, from Marc Gasol (9 points) and Kyle Lowry (10 points) was balanced by Serge Ibaka’s one: the Spanish Congolese center put 20 points (9/12 on shot) and confirmed his importance when he comes from the bench.

The 27 and 28 points from the Splash Brothers were not enough for Golden State, not enough supported by the rest of the team (only 10 points for Green, 3 for Iguodala and 6 for Cousins). In this context, the game 5 in Toronto tomorrow night can be an opportunity to close the finals and be champion for the Canadian franchise. For the Warriors, it is a matter of survival.

By Guillaume Mahot

Sources: www.basketusa.com

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