Siakam shows the way

It is just the game one, but it is a successful beginning for the Raptors. With the convincing victory 118-109 acquired against Golden State this week for the first opposition in these NBA Finals 2019, Toronto is already putting pressure on the Warriors, who are expected to react next evening, still in Canada. But before talking and writing about game two, let us focus on what happened last Thursday.

Still forced to do without Kevin Durant but able to count DeMarcus Cousins on their ranks after one month and a half missing, the three times NBA champions over the last four years were torpedoed by Toronto’s big men, Pascal Siakam and Marc Gasol. The Spanish center had 20 points while the Cameroonian added 32 points, best scorer on Toronto’s side, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Siakam took the lead before Kawhi Leonard, less exceptional than usual (but still doing the job) with 23 points. Kyle Lowry carried on with uneven performances, Thursday’s night was a low one with merely 7 points.

The Raptors won three quarters out of the four ones and lost the third one only 29-32, a period where the Warriors of Steph Curry (34 points) usually accelerate and make the difference or make up their delay. Except Curry, Thompson (21) and Green (10), no Warrior scored more than 10 points. Iguodala was discrete with 6 points. Kevin Durant, not present for game two, may play afterwards. His return should be appreciated in Oakland.

By Guillaume Mahot

Sources: www.google.fr , www.lequipe.fr

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