NBA FINALS RECAP: GAME 5 - THE AFTERMATH

SPLASH BROTHERS COMBINE FOR (57) POINTS AND FORCE GAME 6, DESPITE DUBS LOSING DURANT FOR SERIES

Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant had not played in over a month, (9) playoff games missed then put on a show in the (12) minutes he was on the floor. Durant scored (11) points in limited time, a nice block, (2/2) FT line, and (3/3) from behind the arc. Then with (9:46) left on the clock in the 2nd quarter KD goes down. Durant who had practiced and been cleared to play in Monday's game 5 elimination game for the Dubs, shined when he was on the floor, then he went down to what we all was thinking was the worst. The apparent calf injury may had been an Achilles tear or partial from jump; however the diagnosis now for sure is, Achilles. KD looked good early and seemed to be prime for a epic return and finish to this series. Now we must wait for MRI's and be patience as hopefully the road to recovery is easy and efficient for the two time NBA Finals MVP. One thing is for certain, Bob Meyers, Warriors general manager seemed remorseful, but was it really his fault? The fans and the pressure by the media? Friction amongst his teammates. Twitter or the scrutiny coming from all angles for Durant to be pressured into playing? Or was it just the will to play and contribute to his team? No matter the circumstance we can all hope and pray that the road to recovery for Kevin Durant is better then most who have suffered this devastating injury.


For the game, GSW came out with more energy and intensity due to the fact with Durant was back in the lineup. Fueling off KD, the splash brothers got wet early. The Warriors started (5/5 - 3PT) after going (8/27 - 3PT) in game 4. Durant scored all his (11) points in the first quarter, Klay was perfect from (3), while Curry dropped (14 on 5/6 shooting). The trio scored (31 of their 34) first quarter points; the most ever in any quarter during the playoffs during the KD/Curry/Klay era. GSW shot (58% - FG / 70% - 3PT) in that first quarter alone. They were on fire literally. Marc Gasol had some huge minutes early keeping the Raptors in the game. Toronto (9/11 - FT), were able to get a chunk of their points from the FT line. Once again points in the paint were in favor for Toronto as well as points off turnovers. The energy in the building seemed to be favoring the Warriors, even after KD going down. Toronto tried to stay within a couple scoring possessions of the Warriors for majority of the half. Golden State seemed to rally behind the injury of Durant instead of being defeated by it. Foul trouble loomed both teams early as players from both teams put the opponent in the bonus early. Klay was shooting (50% - 3PT) while Curry had (23 pts / 7-11 FG) in the first half. Ibaka (7 pts / 3 reb) off the bench bought energy on both sides of the ball. Toronto owned the offensive glass with (9) offensive boards early, the Warriors had (9) first half turnovers, while the Raptors got to the FT line (22) times which kept them in this game despite GSW shooting (52.4% - 3PT), were only down (62-56).


Both teams went on mini runs during the 3rd quarter. Toronto went on their run, as soon as they prepared to take the lead, the Dubs responded with a run of their own. Over the next (4) mins, GSW went on an (8-0) run than the Raptors hit them back with a (10-0) run of their own. Klay Thompson stayed hot into the second half and was the catalyst alongside Curry to fuel off the Raptors and their fans as both teams could fill the anxiety and uncertainty in the arena. FVV found his shot like he has so much in this series. After Toronto could not hit a (3) in the first half, VanVleet scored (9 pts on 3/4 - 3PT). Kyle Lowry made some big plays being that QB for the Raptors in the 3rd. They continued to abuse the undersized Warriors in the paint and on the offensive glass. Draymond Green was a big factor in assist as the Warriors were up to (21) assist by the end of the 3rd quarter. However, he alongside the Dubs role players were passing on shots. If it wasn't Klay or Steph the Dubs looked real hesitant on even attempting a three let alone driving to the basket to score. The Warriors became passive which led to indecisiveness than to turnovers as Toronto was still hanging around in this game. As much as I love Kawhi Leonard he goes "James St. Patrick" sometimes; yes the KLAW goes GHOST. Last two games, scoreless in the 2nd during game 4; just (1) point in the 3rd of game 5. Being the Raptors best player you must be more assertive the entire game. Kobe and MJ was straight killers, especially being down and the chance to win a title.


However, Kawhi picks and chooses his times to shine. While the Warriors had only lost (2) games when GSW has a (5+) or more lead heading into the 4th quarter under Steve Kerr, all signs was pointing to a game 6 early in the 4th quarter; Kawhi had different plans. Leonard went on a (10-0) run all by himself as Toronto and the Raptors faithful could feel that Larry O'Brien trophy. Kawhi stole the show and for some reason, head coach Nick Nurse called a timeout. A timeout that sucked the life out of the entire building including his team. People are still questioning the reasoning behind the timeout. Kerr and the Warriors could not really call a timeout when they were down to one timeout at the juncture in the game. Nurse's timeout alone probably blew the game for the Raptors. From Nick Nurse in game adjustments, (box and 1) and (triangle and 2) defense, as well as his lineup moves; he has been making the right moves the entire series, until it mattered most. Boogie Cousins stepped in (14 pts / 6 reb) in (20) minutes after Kevon Looney put a valent effort in attempts of playing to only aggravate his injury. Kawhi was cooking. He was getting into that stature of the elite closing out a series on his own floor as he was minutes away from destroying another dynasty (2014 Miami Heat). With GSW down (6) with (2:30) left in the game, they simply took over. The Warriors did not panic, took their time on their shot selections and played extensive defense against the Raptors down the stretch. Klay hits a (3), Steph pulls up off a screen, then Klay gets Leonard in the air and drains another (3), the dagger to give the Warriors the lead. Final possession; they send a double team (Klay/Iggy) at Kawhi. Leonard may could have raised up and forced a shot, however, Leonard passed the ball to FVV then swung it to Kyle Lowry in the corner as he was blocked partially by Draymond Green as the Warriors escape in Toronto with a (106-105) win. That excellent defense down the stretch by the Dubs sending the double, staying in front of their players, while Draymond was on Gasol shielding him then left to partially block Lowry on the perimeter showed that heart and resilience of the two-time defending champs.


Although Kevin Durant injury will lead the headlines, his dominance early in the game alone showed the world what he can do. Though it had to suffer at the demise of KD going down, the splash brothers had other ideas as they extend this series. Golden State made (12) more 3-pointers than the Raptors which ultimately ended up being the difference. Oracle Arena should be live as this will literally be the last basketball game played there and in Oakland as the team moves across the bay to the Chase Center in San Francisco. However Toronto has not been afraid of playing in Cali. Toronto is (3-0) at Oracle this season already winning twice during this series. The Raptors will look to control the offensive boards as they have the entire series and play much better defense chasing the Dubs off those screens. GSW must get a balance contribution from players not named Curry or Thompson. That's the part that is scary. That even when the Raptors play bad, they are still within reach of taking the game. The Warriors must limit their turnovers and their issues fouling which have been giving the Raptors valuable points at the FT line. As well as they must clean up their transition defense. We have seen before in the past, even without KD; the Warriors have been in this predicament with the cast they have. I am pretty sure Nick Nurse will not call a timeout and stop a (12-2) run that his team had as Kawhi was about to finish the Dubs off. Whether Boogie Cousins will be exploited defensively continues to be a trend. Boogie good one game, Boogie not so good the next. How much energy do the splash brothers really have left in them? Is the demeanor and energy the same coming from Toronto after not taking care of business on their home floor? Toronto had won (13 out of 16) quarters until game 5 so they have proving to be the better team during the series. Will Kawhi really be the silent assassin he will need to be? How deep can Steve Kerr really go into his bench to steal minutes? To be honest with it being the last game in Oracle could be enough for the Dubs to force a game 7. However, Toronto has made Oracle, (Jurassic Park West) and have still played impressive even in their losses. Even after the Warriors best shooting game of the series, they only won by (1) and if you take away KD (11) points; just saying. Regardless I hope the Warriors front office and staff had no dealings with Kevin Durant returning and it was all on KD and his troops, because damn you GSW if it was....
GAME 6 - THURSDAY JUN 13 - 9PM - ABC