Posted on May 31, 2019, by Travis Pulver
Heading into Game One, there was a belief that the Raptors might make it a competitive series with the Warriors—maybe. There was a whole lot of faith in the talent on Golden State’s team but not too much with Toronto’s.
But with how Game One played out in Toronto Thursday night, that is going to change—quickly.
The Toronto Raptors controlled the action for the majority of the night with just the right amount of defensive pressure combined with some good play on the offensive end of the court. In doing so, they kept the Warriors chasing them on the scoreboard for most of the night; a chase they ultimately lost, 118-109.
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“I think we did a pretty good job at home,” Pascal Siakam said after the game, via ESPN. “The fans are amazing, man. I just want to say that. From coming out for warmup to the end of the game, it was just the support and then going crazy. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Siakam ended up leading the Raptors on the scoreboard with 32 points, a new playoff career high. It was good that he did have such a good night because Kawhi Leonard struggled with his shot hitting just five of 14 attempts (but ten of 12 free throws) for 23 points. Marc Gasol chipped in 20.
Danny Green woke up from his playoff slump a little and went three of seven from the three-point line for 11 points. Kyle Lowry had an off night going just two for nine from the floor for seven points
Golden State definitely looked like a team that was missing Kevin Durant. Steph Curry made up for a so-so night from the floor (8-18 from the floor; four of nine from three-point range) by also hitting 14 of 14 free throws. As a result, he led the way for the Raptors on the scoreboard with 34 points followed by Klay Thompson with 21 points.
Draymond Green was the only other Warrior to score in double digits with ten points. He also had another triple-double with ten rebounds and ten assists as well.
Despite their struggles, the Warriors still appeared calm and confident after the game:
“Our goal was to get one and it’s still on the table for us,” Thompson said, via ESPN. “So, I know we’ll respond like the champions we are.”
A hard fought first quarter ended with the Raptors holding onto a four-point lead, 25-21. While the game remained close throughout the second, Toronto went on a 10-4 run to end the half, stretching the Raptors lead out to ten at the break, 59-49.
Golden State tried to regain control of the game in the third, but every time they made a dent in Toronto’s lead, the Raptors responded. The Warriors got within four at one point, but when the quarter came to an end, Toronto led by seven, 88-81
The Warriors got within three early in the fourth but were down by double digits for most of the quarter. But no matter what they did, the Raptors countered and maintained their lead.
With the win, the Raptors hold a 1-0 lead in the series.
Cousins made his return after missing most of the playoffs due to an injury suffered early in the first round. But he only played eight minutes, missed both shots he attempted and hit three of four free throws.
Golden State will get a chance to even the series up with a win in Game Two Sunday night in Toronto.