Friday, June 14, 2019

Game Six - Balanced Raptors Win First Title

The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship with a 114-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors in the last ever game played at Oracle Arena. Kawhi Leonard, who scored 22 points and wont he NBA Finals MVP, was the Raptors superstar, but the true narrative of the Canadian club's season was balance. Game 6 epitomized that balance.

Kyle Lowry started strong and ended with 26 points and 10 assists. Lowry survived all the playoff disappointment and thrived when it mattered most. Pascal Siakim snapped out of his shooting slump and scored 26 of his own and added 10 rebounds. Fred VanVleet was clutch in the fourth. He scored 22 with five threes. Serge Ibaka added 15 key points.

The Warriors held tight throughout the game. Klay Thompson had another great Game 6. But he injured his knee and after making two free throws to raised his total to 30 points, he would not return. Andre Iguodala found the fountain of youth and notched 22 points. Draymond Green hit a key three late to score 11 points. He pulled down 19 rebounds and dished out 13 assists in his best game of the Finals. DeMarcus Cousins scored 12 points. Shaun Livingston and Kevon Looney also contributed.

Late int he game, Danny Green threw the ball away. The Warriors had one last shot at forcing a Game 7. Curry missed and the ball rolled out to halfcourt. The Warriors grabbed the ball and nearly every man called a timeout that didn't exist. Three Leonard free throws later, the Raptors won the championship.

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