Raptors Beat Warriors in Game 1 of NBA Finals

The Golden State Warriors are in the NBA Finals for the fifth year in a row, and have won three of the previous four championships, but a couple of things are different this time around. For the first time, the Warriors do not have home court advantage, and they are also playing a new opponent. The Toronto Raptors have displaced the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Eastern Conference champion.

These Finals are the first in the Raptors’ franchise history. Toronto was down two games to none in the Eastern Conference finals, but rallied to win four straight over Milwaukee. Golden State had swept the Portland Trail Blazers in four games in the West finals, despite losing Kevin Durant to a leg injury.

Durant’s absence may be catching up to Warriors. On May 30th, Toronto took the opener 118-109. Steph Curry scored 34 and Klay Thompson added 21 for Golden State. Before he was injured, Durant was averaging 34.2 points in the post season. That’s a lot to make up, even with a good bench. And Durant is likely out for Game 2 on June 2nd as well.

Toronto was led by Pascal Siakim, who scored a career high 32 points, hitting 14 out 17 from the field. Kawhi Leonard, who has been outstanding in the post season, scored 23 and Marc Gasol added 20.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tbn1oGhLVvQ
 
It’s only the first game, but the Warriors have run into a buzz saw in the red hot Raptors.