Toronto Raptors: 5 takeaways from dramatic win over DeRozan and Spurs

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors reacts in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

2) Down to the wire

On a night like Friday, on an occasion where the game lived up to expectations, there was only one fitting way for it to end. It had to come down to Leonard versus DeRozan, with a little bit of the latter’s best friend thrown into the mix.

With less than 30 seconds remaining, the Spurs had a precious one-point lead and DeRozan had the ball in his hand. However, thanks to a double-team by Leonard and Lowry near midcourt, the former Raptors’ star was forced into a turnover.

To make matters worse, DeRozan then had to watch the man who replaced him dunk home and give Toronto their own one-point lead, with just 15.1 seconds remaining. The Spurs had one final chance to win the game, but Davis Bertans missed his shot and the Raptors iced the game at the charity stripe.

Afterwards, DeRozan — in keeping with his personality — made no excuses for turning the rock over at such a crucial point. As per the Associated Press, he said:

"“I knew they were going to be aggressive, trying to make a play on the ball and then foul. I’ve just got to be more aware.”"

DeRozan says he’s finally gotten over the shock of being traded and is now happy in San Antonio. However, after all the emotion of the evening, you know this loss has to hurt.

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