THE GOLDEN STATE Warriors stayed alive in the NBA Finals after edging the Toronto Raptors 106-105 in Game 5.
Despite losing Kevin Durant to injury in the second quarter, the Warriors stopped the Raptors from claiming their first championship on Monday.
Kyle Lowry was one shot away from sealing a 4-1 series victory and a maiden title for the Raptors, however, he failed to sink a last-gasp three-pointer.
Instead, the Warriors return to Oracle Arena on Thursday only trailing 3-2 in their bid for a three-peat.
The top storyline entering the night was the comeback of Durant, who returned from a calf strain for his first appearance in 32 days.
Durant started off hot, scoring 11 points in his first 12 minutes on three-of-five shooting. But he appeared to re-aggravate his injury early in the second quarter.
He was assisted off the court and did not return in the contest – leaving Scotiabank Arena on crutches.
Drake consoled Kevin Durant as he walked off in the second quarter. pic.twitter.com/05ZpHdL49l
— ESPN (@espn) June 11, 2019
Kawhi Leonard ended up stealing the show, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds. His personal 10-0 run in the fourth quarter was crucial for the Raptors down the stretch.
Five other Raptors were double-digit scorers, but it was not enough to stop the two-time defending champions.
Stephen Curry led all scorers with 31 points on five successful three-pointers.
He was trailed by Klay Thompson’s 26 points and seven three-pointers, while Draymond Green flirted with a triple-double once again.
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Makes things interesting. I still think it’s in Toronto’s hands. If they show up, they should be too deep for Warriors. Even if it’s in The Oracle. Glad it’s gone to a Game 6, from a neutral point of view
Some poor decisions from the Raptors late on including a bad use of a time out when momentum was with them. Glad to see Golden State pull it out after the classless crowd reaction to Durant’s injury.
I am one of the first people to criticise Kevin Durant but man I felt so sorry for him watching him go off injured. He clearly played the game knowing he wasnt even close to being fit.