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Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 5 loss in 2019 NBA Finals

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - JUNE 10: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot against the Golden State Warriors during Game Five of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 10, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images /

The Toronto Raptors were a bucket away from winning the 2019 NBA Finals in Monday night’s thrilling Game 5 loss against the Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors forced a Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors after late-game heroics from their backcourt All-Stars. The Raptors hold a 3-2 series lead going back on the road with another chance to close out and win the 2019 NBA Finals.

The Raptors found themselves trailing for most of Game 5, with the majority of the starters struggled offensively. Through the first three quarters, Kawhi Leonard had 14 points (4-of-15 shooting) and five turnovers, but he scored 12 points and shot 5-for-9 in the final frame. Leonard finished the game with 26 points and 12 rebounds on 9-for-24 shooting overall.

For the Warriors, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry both hit shots from deep to regain the lead with less than a minute remaining to play after Kawhi’s personal 10-0 run. The backcourt duo combined for 57 points and 12 made 3-pointers on 27 tries while shooting 19-for-44 from the field.

After Kevin Durant left the game early in the third quarter with what the Warriors believe to be a torn Achilles, the Splash Brothers had to ramp up their shot-making in order to avoid elimination. In the final three minutes of the game, they went 3-for-3 from downtown.

Kyle Lowry and the Raptors were down by one point with 15 seconds left on the clock and a chance to steal the win back. On the final possession, Lowry passed it off to Leonard, who was immediately blitzed with a double-team from Andre Iguodala. Leonard passed it to Fred VanVleet, who tried to drive to the hoop and then kicked it out to an open Lowry in the corner for a failed 3-pointer attempt that Draymond Green got a piece of.

The loss was disheartening for a fanbase longing for a championship at home. The Raptors will play the next game on the road, Thursday night. Here are the takeaways from Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

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