Iguodala lifts Warriors over Raptors in Game 2

Source:AFP Published: 2019/6/3 19:38:40

Andre Iguodala of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday in Toronto. Photo: VCG

Defending champions Golden State needed Andre Iguodala's clutch three-pointer with seven seconds remaining Sunday to hold off Toronto 109-104 and lift the Warriors level in the NBA Finals.

Seeking a third consecutive title and fourth in five seasons, the Warriors knotted the best-of-seven series at 1-1 ahead of games three and four on Wednesday and Friday in California.

With former US president Barack Obama in the crowd, Golden State trailed by 12 points in the second quarter, made the first 18 points of the third and led by as much as 72-59.

Toronto rallied, holding the Warriors scoreless for more than 5:30 only to fall short on the last of 2015 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Iguodala's eight points.

Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 25 points while Stephen Curry added 23 and Draymond Green contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 34 points for Toronto and added 14 rebounds while Raptors reserve Fred VanVleet netted 17 points.

Golden State suffered injuries to Thompson and Kevon Looney, Curry battled dehydration and Iguodala's ­heroics came despite a leg injury,

"We've been through a lot. We've battled through injuries," Iguodala said. "It's a mindset. You go play. Not saying it's smart, but you only have about a week left to gut it out and see if you can help the team."

It left reserves to play key roles in the triumph.

The Warriors were again without top scorer Kevin Durant, but the forward is expected back soon after missing seven games with a right calf strain.

Victory was vital for Golden State. Of 34 teams that fell behind 0-2 in the NBA Finals, only four rallied to win the crown.

The Warriors have now won at least once on the road in 23 consecutive playoff series.

Kyle Lowry and Danny Green made three-pointers to pull the Raptors, in the first finals of their 24-season history, from a 13-point deficit to within 92-88 early in the fourth quarter.

Reserve Quinn Cook answered with back-to-back three-pointers to ignite a 14-6 Golden State run that stretched the Warriors' lead to 106-94 with 5:39 to play.

Three Leonard free throws pulled the Raptors within 106-101 with 68 seconds remaining and Danny Green sank a three-pointer to lift the Raptors within two with 26 seconds remaining.

Toronto seized a 47-35 lead but Curry, who missed his first six shots, scored 15 of the Warriors' last 17 second-quarter points and Golden State trimmed the halftime deficit to 59-54.

Golden State opened the second half on an 18-0 run to seize a 72-59 lead, aided by the Raptors missing their first nine shots of the third ­quarter and committing seven turnovers in the pivotal span. Thompson scored seven consecutive points and Iguodala added five in the crucial run.



Posted in: BASKETBALL

blog comments powered by Disqus