NBA
Without Kawhi Leonard, Raptors Rout The Warriors 113-93 On The Road
When the news broke that Kawhi Leonard was going to miss Wednesday’s showdown against the Golden State Warriors, most thought it would lead to a Warriors victory. However, the Toronto Raptors had other ideas. The Raptors shocked everyone and defeated the Warriors in a rout 113-93.
They’re also the second Eastern Conference team to sweep the Warriors since the 2014-15 season. The Raptors controlled the game from the first quarter on, stifling the Warriors offense, and quieting a stunned Oracle Arena crowd. They built a 18 point lead in the first half and didn’t let up.
In the fourth quarter, they were up 93-67, which was the biggest lead of the game. Every player the Raptors had available to play last night got some game action. 11 of the 12 players scored from the field, showing everyone why their second unit is elite.
Kyle Lowry Leads The Way For The Raptors
In Leonard’s absence, it’s always important for Kyle Lowry to step up on both ends of the floor. Last night, he did just that as he led the Raptors with 23 points and dished out 12 assists in 38 minutes played. Lowry’s leadership is a huge reason why the Raptors are 23-7, which is the best record in the NBA. He’s also averaging 10 assists per game, which is a career high. It’s also Impressive because the second player behind him in assists, Jrue Holiday, is averaging 8.9 assists per game.
Raptors Stifled The Warriors Offensive Attack
When you play the Warriors, it’s always important to slow down Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Klay Thompson offensively. Outside of Durant’s 30 points, the Raptors slowed down Curry and Thompson, and stifled their offensive attack. Curry was held to 10 points on 3-12 shooting and Fred VanVleet’s superb defense on him was a big reason why. Thompson scored 14 points on 7-17 shooting.
The Raptors were able to have success defensively because of their length and versatility. Danny Green’s defense, along with his 15 points, helped the Raptors. His length and versatility is why the Raptors got him in the Leonard deal with the San Antonio Spurs.
They bothered the Warriors like the Houston Rockets did in the Western Conference Finals last spring. They forced Durant to beat them instead of Curry, who’s the engine to the Warriors offensive attack. When the Warriors are held to under 100 points this season, they’re 0-5.
Adversity Came The Raptors Way And They Didn’t Blink
Not only did the Raptors play without Leonard, they played last night’s game without their head coach, Nick Nurse, who left the team to go to Iowa to attend his mother’s funeral. Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin filled in for Nurse. They also had to deal with an injury to their center, Jonas Valanciunas, who dislocated his thumb last night. According to Shams Charania of the Atlantic, Valanciunas underwent surgery on Wednesday and is expected to miss at least four weeks.
The Raptors also were coming into the showdown with the Warriors playing on a second night of a back to back. They played the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night, dominating them en route to a 123-99 victory without Leonard. The Raptors also were able to catch a Warriors team that was very much healthy. In their first meeting in Toronto, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green didn’t play due to injury.
Serge Ibaka’s Career Year Could Have Him In Charlotte For The All-Star Game
Serge Ibaka has come a long way in his career. He was known with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a defensive enforcer and shot blocker. After the Thunder traded James Harden, he had to improve his offensive game.
In year ten of his career, he’s having his best season yet for the Raptors. In 29 games played (20 starts), Ibaka is averaging 16.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, which are both career highs. Ibaka also got in on the fun last night against the Warriors, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 29 minutes played.
With the success he and the Raptors are having this season, his first all star appearance could be coming his way. His impact on the floor for the Raptors has been invaluable. He’s no longer just the “Serge Protector” that some have called him. He’s now a player who can not only play both ends of the floor, but can be in the rotation late in games.
Key Notes and Stats
When Leonard has sat out this season due to rest or due to injury, the Raptors are 7-1 without him. The only defeat came at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks 124-109 on October 29th. What makes the 7-1 record in games without Leonard impressive is all eight games, including last night’s game with the Warriors, were on the road.
Up Next For The Raptors
As for Raptors head coach Nurse, he’s expected to return to the team tomorrow night. They’ll face the Portland Trail-Blazers on the road at the Moda Center. For the first time in franchise history, the Raptors went 4-0 in the state of California this season. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Sacramento Kings.
Photo Credit
James Anderson via Flickr
