First NBA Finals, first Finals hosting, first Finals win already in the books.
The Toronto Raptors drew first blood in the NBA Finals this year when they scored a 118-109 victory inside their home floor at Scotiabank Arena in Canada.
Pascal Siakam propelled the Raptors in the win with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Kawhi Leonard added another 23 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Three other players contributed significant points as Marc Gasol poured in 20 points, Fred VanVleet chimed in 15 points and Danny Green wrapped up the scoring load with 11 markers.
On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors were paced by Stephen Curry who produced the game high 34 points (with 5 rebounds and 5 assists). Klay Thompson generated 21 of his own and Draymond Green fabricated another playoff triple-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists but fell short to steal Game 1.
It was a feel out opening quarter for both teams where the home team took an early lead of 25-21 after the first stanza. Kawhi Leonard’s return to the grand finale was welcomed by double teams from Golden State and limiting him to just 3 points. Thanks to Marc Gasol’s 8 point output and 5 made long bombs, their team had the cushion. While the Warriors’ leader in Stephen Curry broke into double figure scoring already with 11 markers built around two 3-pointers.
When the second frame commenced, Demarcus Cousins got his first taste of the Finals after checking in, in the game. However he only saw 4 minutes of action as he accumulated 2 points and 2 assists. But his team stared at 10-point deficit coming into the halftime interval, 59-49.
Game 2 is on Sunday night, 8:00 a.m. Eastern time.
