The Toronto Raptors have been finding a way to play championship-caliber basketball, even without Kawhi Leonard on the floor this season, which makes them an even bigger threat than initially thought of. They made a bit of a statement on Wednesday night, taking down the Golden State Warriors on the road without their star, 113-93, at Oracle Arena. The win gives the Raptors the season series sweep of the Warriors, after they took them down in overtime at Scotiabank Arena two weeks ago. Kyle Lowry took over with Leonard sitting, scoring 23 points with 12 assists, as the Raptors improved their NBA-leading record to 23-7. That mark includes a stellar road record of 12-3, as they never trailed on the road in a dominating performance.
Serge Ibaka also stepped up with 20 points, while Danny Green had 15, Pascal Siakam scored 13, and Fred VanVleet finished with 10, as the Raptors spread the ball out well in this victory. The win also helps Toronto tie the 2014-2015 team for the best start in franchise history.
The Raptors were playing without Leonard for a second straight night, both of which were wins, as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center the night before. They also lost Jonas Valanciunas to a dislocated left thumb in the first half of Wednesday's win, which could've easily been an NBA Finals preview the way this season is going thus far.
Golden State could not capitalize on the short-handed Raptors, despite Kevin Durant scoring 30 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. Their loss snaps a four-game winning streak, and gives them just their third home loss of the season. It was also their first loss to the Raptors in Oakland, California since 2004, but they still hang on to the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Warriors will hit the road on Friday night to take on an up and coming team in the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, the Raptors continue their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers that same night.
Serge Ibaka also stepped up with 20 points, while Danny Green had 15, Pascal Siakam scored 13, and Fred VanVleet finished with 10, as the Raptors spread the ball out well in this victory. The win also helps Toronto tie the 2014-2015 team for the best start in franchise history.
The Raptors were playing without Leonard for a second straight night, both of which were wins, as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center the night before. They also lost Jonas Valanciunas to a dislocated left thumb in the first half of Wednesday's win, which could've easily been an NBA Finals preview the way this season is going thus far.
Golden State could not capitalize on the short-handed Raptors, despite Kevin Durant scoring 30 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists. Their loss snaps a four-game winning streak, and gives them just their third home loss of the season. It was also their first loss to the Raptors in Oakland, California since 2004, but they still hang on to the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Warriors will hit the road on Friday night to take on an up and coming team in the Sacramento Kings. Meanwhile, the Raptors continue their road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers that same night.
