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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 Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. A tale of two halves

Game 5 was a tale of two halves in Monday night’s contest. The Raptors allowed 62 points in the first half, but held them to 44 points in the second.

A large part of the Warriors’ offense was generated at the start of the game. Both Thompson and Curry got it going early, with the team shooting 88.8 percent from the field in the first five minutes of action. They had collectively made five looks from deep and finished the first frame with 34 points. The Raptors were unresponsive from the perimeter in the first half, but were able to get to the foul line, being aggressive in attacking the paint.

The Raptors held their own in the second quarter with both teams scoring 28 points apiece. To start the third quarter, the Dubs went on a run, extending their lead to double-digits. Toronto’s perimeter shooting came to life, with VanVleet hitting three times from downtown in the second half.

Kyle Lowry added his one and only make from deep in the fourth quarter, helping his team cut the deficit as part of a 13-3 run. Lowry shot 1-for-6 on the night from deep, including the aforementioned failed shot attempt to win the game. Leonard was tough to watch in the third quarter, only contributing one point. Defensively, he was still sound and was a beast on the glass, with six of his 12 rebounds coming from the offensive end.

It was Leonard’s 10-0 run that gave his team the lead with 3:28 left in the final frame. The Raptors outscored the Warriors 49-44 in the second half, and after a few made 3s from the Splash Brothers, were just a shot made away from winning a championship. So why couldn’t the Raptors secure the win?

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