Saturday, June 08, 2019

Game Four - Leonard Leads Raptors to 3-1 Lead

After a miserable start to the game, both Toronto and Golden State continued to struggle offensively for the remainder of the first half. The Warriors led 46-42 at halftime.

Kahwi Leonard had a decent first half, but exploded in the second. He finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 steals. He only tallied two assists, but his play making off the dribble has improved throughout these playoffs. He's a true superstar, taking the tough shots when the shotclock has nearly expired and demanding the ball in a key moment.

Serge Ibaka continued to play well. This time he did it ont he offensive end of the floor. He scored 20 off the bench. Kyle Lowry didn't shoot well, but he distributed the ball effectively. He and backup point guard Fred VanVleet combined for 13 assists. Danny Green was off, but Marc Gasol did a little bit of everything and Pascal Siakim added 19 big points. Fourth year Raptor Norman Powell, an important contribute during the regular season, got into the game for 10 minutes.

Stephen Curry finished with a respectable 27 points, but on a night when he had to do everything, he shot poorly and made some questionable defensive decisions. Klay Thompson returned from injury to post 28 points on 6 from 10 shooting from distance. Draymond Green nearly got a triple double and Kevon Looney also returned from injury to score 10.

Without Kevin Durant, the Warriors need great games from Curry, Thompson, and someone else. Green hasn't been able to fill that role from a scoring standpoint. DeMacrus Cousins faded away again. Andre Iguodala seems to be aging dramatically before our eyes. Shaun Livingston didn't get enough run. Quinn Cook's six minutes were too much.

Toronto raced by the Warriors in the third. Game 4 was nearly the mirror image of Game 2. In the end, the Rapotros coasted in the fourth and won 105-92. The took both games in Oakland and now lead the series 3-1 heading home to Toronto. The big question now is: will Kevin Durant play in Game 5?

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