Raptors vs. Warriors: Siakam Top Scores As Steve Kerr Labels Defense 'Awful'

Pascal Siakam led the way with a playoff career-high 32 points and 8 rebounds as the Toronto Raptors took victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The Canadian franchise maintained their lead throughout the game and did give the reigning champions to mount a comeback and wrapped it up 118-109.

The Warriors came from behind to win every game during the Western Conference finals against Portland Trail Blazers and were expected to mount a challenge in the second half. They reduced the gap to five points but were unable to get closer as the Raptors maintained their scoring run to match the reigning champions.

Raptors head coach Nick Nurse credited the team for defending throughout the game as he believes the Warriors have the capability to make teams look silly. He also praised the team’s offense as they ensured the Raptors did not go through a scoring drought at any point during the game.

Kawhi Leonard got 23 points and 8 rebounds on the night while center Marc Gasol finished with 20 points and 7 rebounds. But the star of the Raptors’ Game 1 win was Siakam, who Steve Kerr believes, was allowed to get few early shots and get his game going, especially since he had struggled from beyond the arc in the last two series.

The Warriors head coach, however, was very disappointed with his team’s transition defense, which he labeled “awful” as he believes that is the most important aspect when playing the Raptors. He also was unhappy with the Warriors turning the ball over 17 points and conceding 24 points on fast breaks.

Stephen Curry was the top scorer for the Warriors with 34 points and he also became the first player to score 100 three-pointers in NBA Finals history. Draymond Green also entered the record books after he became only the third player ever to record a triple-double in three consecutive post-season games.

The Warriors entered the NBA Finals as the favorites to complete their three-peat but the Raptors showed in the opening game that they know how to beat the reigning champions. If Nurse’ team manage to hold on to home court advantage in Game 2 on Sunday, the pressure will truly be on the Warriors when they head to the Oracle Arena for Game 3 and 4.