Raptors Defeat Shorthanded Warriors, 123-109, to Take 2-1 Series Lead
By Oscar Heanue
The Toronto Raptors took down the Golden State Warriors, 123-109, in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at Oracle Arena on Wednesday evening. Toronto now leads the series, 2-1.
The Raptors (2-1) took advantage of a prime opportunity to get ahead in the series, jumping out to an early lead in Game 3 and hanging on for the entirety of regulation. Golden State (1-2) was without All-Stars Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant in the hard-fought third game, leaving two-time MVP Steph Curry to shoulder most of the offensive burden. Curry stepped up to the plate, recording a new playoff career-high with 47 points. It was not enough to compete with Toronto's balanced approach, however. All five Raptors starters scored in double figures and the team also saw four players knock down multiple three-pointers in the win.
Kawhi Leonard led Toronto with 30 points, including a 10-of-11 effort at the free-throw line. Leonard was also active defensively, grabbing two steals and blocking two shots. Fellow All-Star Kyle Lowry added 23 points, while Danny Green shot an impressive 6-of-10 from three-point range to tack on another 18.
For Golden State, Curry added a team-high eight rebounds and seven assists despite the loss. Draymond Green was the team's second-leading scorer with 17 points. The two All-Stars were the only members of the squad to record more than 11 in the double-digit defeat.
Game 4 will be held in Oakland on Friday.
The Raptors (2-1) took advantage of a prime opportunity to get ahead in the series, jumping out to an early lead in Game 3 and hanging on for the entirety of regulation. Golden State (1-2) was without All-Stars Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant in the hard-fought third game, leaving two-time MVP Steph Curry to shoulder most of the offensive burden. Curry stepped up to the plate, recording a new playoff career-high with 47 points. It was not enough to compete with Toronto's balanced approach, however. All five Raptors starters scored in double figures and the team also saw four players knock down multiple three-pointers in the win.
Kawhi Leonard led Toronto with 30 points, including a 10-of-11 effort at the free-throw line. Leonard was also active defensively, grabbing two steals and blocking two shots. Fellow All-Star Kyle Lowry added 23 points, while Danny Green shot an impressive 6-of-10 from three-point range to tack on another 18.
For Golden State, Curry added a team-high eight rebounds and seven assists despite the loss. Draymond Green was the team's second-leading scorer with 17 points. The two All-Stars were the only members of the squad to record more than 11 in the double-digit defeat.
Game 4 will be held in Oakland on Friday.