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Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from big win over Golden State Warriors

By Paul Taylor

Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Kawhi Leonard #2 (C) of the Toronto Raptors is introduced to the crowd prior to the first half of the NBA season opener. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 08: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors waits to throw the ball inbounds during their game against the Milwaukee Bucks at ORACLE Arena on November 8, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3) No stopping Durant on this night

For all the good the Raptors did, they had no answer for Durant. Pure and simple, the guy was in a zone all night, as he almost single-handedly kept the Warriors in the game.

Durant finished with a game-high 51 points, but this only scratches the surface of what he achieved on Thursday night. It represented the sixth 50-point performance of his career and also the first time he hit 40+ points in three consecutive NBA games.

Even with Leonard guarding him most of the night, there was no stopping the nine-time All-Star. Officially, he “only” made 18 of 31 attempts from the floor, but it seemed like every shot he took was money.

This was best exemplified in the fourth quarter, when the Warriors were down by six, with less than a minute to play. He then made two crucial three-pointers, including an insane effort which forced overtime.

Giving Durant’s scoring barrage, it’s worth noting he also grabbed a game-high 11 boards. And in a season where he is on course for a career-best average in assists, he added six dimes.

Overall though, it was the 2007 second overall draft pick’s shooting which took centre stage. And considering he was mostly guarded by a player renowned as one of the very best defenders in the game — while also being supremely motivated to stifle him — Durant deserves all the credit in the world.

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