The Toronto Raptors took full advantage of the absence of three-point specialist Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors (who suffered a hamstring injury in the previous game) as they cruised to a 123-109 victory in Oracle Arena and steal back the home court advantage they lost in Game 2.
Six Toronto player scored in double figures in a well-balanced offensive game headed by top player Kawhi Leonard with a stat line of 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Kyle Lowry provided 23 points of his own, on top of 9 assists and 4 rebounds. While Danny Green and Pascal Siakam both provided a much needed 18 points apiece as well.
Marc Gasol chipped in another 17 markers to wrap the Raptors’ starting unit scoring. Fred VanVleet also chimed in 11 points off the bench in 33 minutes of play coupled with Serge Ibaka’s 6 points (with 5 boards and 1 dime).
As for the defending champions, who now misses two of their starters and all-stars in Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, was led by former two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry who mustered a game-high 47 points with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. He carried much of the scoring load for their depleted line up but wasn’t enough to guide them to victory.
Only two other Warriors scored in double figures as Draymond Green produced 17 points (with 7 rebounds and 4 assists) and Game 2 hero Andre Igoudala providing 11 points (with 6 rebounds and 3 assists). Demarcus Cousins was pretty much non-existent after only giving a stat line of 4 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 19 minutes of action.
Game 4 will be on Friday inside the Oracle Arena as Toronto aims to take a commanding 3-1 series lead and Golden State fights to equalize.
