The Toronto Raptors are the new NBA champions, effectively ending the two-year reign of the Golden State Warriors.
In a see-saw affair that saw plenty of lead changes, the Raptors came out on top with a thrilling 114-110 win in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam led the way in the win, while Fred VanVleet came out clutch in the closing stages.
The Warriors, already nursing an injury to Kevin Durant, were dealt a blow with third-quarter injury to Klay Thompson that ruled him out for the rest of the game.
CANADA, THE @NBA TITLE IS YOURS! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/QaCvuX5bsK
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) June 14, 2019
Thompson was his vintage Game 6 self and exploded for 30 points on 8-of-12 shooting (4-of-6 from deep) before his injury. In his absence, the Warriors lacked the firepower to hold onto their small lead.
The Raptors held on throughout and immediately pounced when they saw the opportunity. Lowry went off to a hot start with 21 of his 26 points scored in the first half. He also had seven rebounds and 10 assists to cap off the memorable night.
Siakam took over for Toronto in the second half on his way to a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard — who was eventually voted as Finals MVP — put up an all-around effort of 22 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
Golden State had a chance to win the game with nine second left in the contest after an ugly turnover from the Raptors. However, Stephen Curry botched his shot. A no-timeout call resulted to a Warriors technical that gave the reigning champions no chance at all to mount a comeback.
The Raptors have now won their first NBA title in their 24-year history, becoming the only team outside the United States to win the championship.
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