NBA FINAS RECAP: GAME 4 - THE AFTERMATH

RAPTORS PROVE THEY BELONG ON THIS STAGE, A GAME AWAY FROM FIRST NBA CHAMPIONSHIP

The "Board Man Gets Paid" isn't just a slogan if the Toronto Raptors end up winning this NBA Finals, its about to be a new way of life in Canada. Kawhi Leonard with a Finals career high (36) points helped the Raptors overcome their early shooting woes. Leonard who finished with (36 pts / 12 reb / 2 blk / 50% FG / 5-9 3PT / 9-9 FT), but most importantly 0 turnovers as he and the Toronto faithful can almost grasps that Larry O'Brien Trophy after a (105-92) win in on the road in game 4.

Kawhi made his presence known early, as he was literally carrying them in the first quarter. Toronto as a team shot (1/13 - 3 points) while Leonard had (5/8 - 14 points). His first quarter performance helped the Raptors stay close after a determined and more focus GSW team was on the floor in game 4. Golden State came out with more energy to open the game on both ends of the floor. Seeing the other half of the Splash Brothers will do that. Klay Thompson returned to the starting lineup, as well as Kevon Looney was back making a difference off the bench and the Warriors were cruising but not blowing out the Raptors. The Warriors played much better defense to start; after the first quarter they held Toronto to just (28% FG / 20% 3PT).GSW was (+11) on the boards, (12) points in the paint, had (8) assist on (47% FG). Even with that fast start the Raptors stayed in striking distance. Toronto was not as sharp defensively, especially in transition defense in that first half. Golden State was forcing other players other than Leonard to make plays in the second quarter. Unlike in game 3, the Raptors could not hit those shots early as Toronto head coach Nick Nurse selected to go to a big lineup with (Gasol/Ibaka). Ibaka got loose from the time he entered the game posting up (8 pts - 4/5 FG) as well as making an impact protecting the rim as he and Gasol played bully ball versus the Warriors in that second quarter. Their presence in the paint on both ends slowed down Golden State. Other than Klay Thompson big first half, the Warriors became sloppy with the ball having countless turnovers, and didn't look as efficient offensively with that bigger and much physical lineup. Leonard was held scoreless in the second quarter and yet the Raptors were just down (4) going into the break. The two teams combined for (4/30 - 3PT) in the first half.


Another Nick Nurse adjustment, starting Fred VanVleet in the second half to continue his defensive presence on Steph Curry was huge. Even bigger was Kawhi Leonard once more. Leonard started the second half with back to back (3's) made as the Raptors not the Warriors were making an infamous 3rd quarter run. Steph Curry (27 pts / 6 ast) who struggled mightily the entire game didn't make his first (3 pointer) until (8) minutes in the third quarter. Curry finished shooting (9/22 FG - 2/9 3PT) after his career best (47) point game in game 3. Those shots that were not falling in the first half started to fall in that 3rd quarter for the Raptors. After shooting (2/17 - 3PT) in the first half, Toronto shot (5/7 - 3PT) in the 3rd quarter alone. Kawhi went off putting up (17) points in the 3rd as the Raptors outscored GSW (36-21) in the 3rd quarter. Ibaka (20 pts / 4 reb / 2 blks) on (9/12 FG) shooting continued to his hot streak to be honest dating back to the second half in game 3. Ibaka did all this in just 22 minutes. Ibaka/Kawhi combined for (24 points) in the 3rd quarter including going (5/5) from the line during their run. The Raptors team defense collectively were flying all over the floor, chasing Curry off the three point line, and going back and forth to the (box and 1) had to Warriors gassed and shell-shocked. A quarter that has been dominated by the Warriors found the roles reversed on their home floor. Toronto shot the ball much better (52%) in the 3rd quarter while their team defense slowed down the Warriors forcing bad shots; (35%) the Dubs shot during that frame.

The Warriors could not stop the pick and roll especially with Serge Ibaka. Ibaka was killing them on the pick and roll eating in the paint after rolling the entire second half. Golden State was late with their help or overhelped in the 4th quarter defensively. Raptors took advantage of the switching and the Dubs late on their rotations. The Raptors were (5/20) on uncontested shots in the first half; in comparison to (12/16) on those same uncontested shots in the second half. Toronto took their time, being patience going late in the shot clock with their shot selections. Toronto team defense led to even better offense. Even once Kawhi was doubled team, he made the right pass, which ultimately put the other Raptors players making smart decisions themselves as they dissected GSW methodically scoring at will. FVV went down with a bloody eye with about 8 minutes left into the 4th quarter, however Danny Green stepped up late and Toronto went (23/24) from the free throw line and ultimately sealed the deal. Every time it seemed that the Dubs were going to make a run, getting the deficit under double digits; Kawhi Leonard answered for Toronto on the other end. With the mid range, getting to the line, as well as making his way through the paint being a facilitator as his supporting cast hit huge shots time after time down the stretch to take a (3-1) series lead heading back to Canada. Pascal Siakam (19 pts) played well the entire game especially in the 4th quarter cutting into the Warriors defense; however Kyle Lowry (10 pts / 7 reb - 3/10 FG) was a big difference as well. The box score won't show it but just as Kawhi Leonard said postgame, "Lowry was their quarterback." Lowry made some big time assist and decision making was almost to perfection as the Warriors and their fans started to feel that this game and even this series may be over. The Golden State faithful started finding the exits 2 minutes before the game was over. Just as well as Curry found meaningless shots then as well. Klay Thompson led all Warriors with (28 pts) on (6/10 3PT - 60%) and (11/18 FG) but that still wasn't enough. A lot of forced three's late in the second half as the Warriors could not buy a bucket. Draymond Green only (10 pts / 12 ast / 9 rebs /  5 TOs). Green begged his way to a late technical foul which had been brewing all game. Kevon Looney in 20 minutes (10 pts / 6 rebs). As chants of "Lets go Raptors" "Raps in 5" "3-1" all flooded Oracle Arena as #WeTheNorth took over the Bay area just like their faithful Raptors. Toronto this season is (3-0) at Oracle Arena. They have found ways to win at home and on the road. Toronto has won close games and won in blowouts. Most importantly their collective team defense has stifled the Warriors. Between injuries and fatigue GSW look basically defeated. Remember only one team has ever came back from down (3-1) in an NBA Finals (2016 Cavaliers), where the Warriors were on the wrong end of history. This time to look to change history again. However, Toronto goes as far as their unspoken leader Kawhi Leonard does. Leonard not playing 100% himself is carrying this team. They are following his demeanor, his patience, and his humble attitude as they sit a game away from making NBA and franchise history. Board Man gets Paid, but Board Man is on his way to a second NBA Finals trophy, a second NBA Finals MVP, King of the North title and oh yeah Board Man DEFINITELY about to be Paid. GAME 5 - MON JUN 10 - 9PM - ABC