Oracle Arena will get one more game.
After losing two already-injured players to injuries, the Warriors eked out a 106-105 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. Toronto now holds a three-games-to-two lead in the best-of-seven series, and Golden State has life thanks to stellar defense on the Raptors' final possession.
The Warriors turned the ball over after DeMarcus Cousins -- who found himself back in the rotation after Kevin Durant was injured in the second quarter -- was called for an offensive foul with 16 seconds remaining. Golden State led by one, and needed a stop to keep its season alive.
Raptors star Kawhi Leonard had the ball in his hands with just under 10 seconds remaining, and drove right on Klay Thompson. Warriors forward Andre Iguodala sprinted over as the help defender, forcing Leonard to pass. Fred VanVleet swung the ball to an open Kyle Lowry in the left corner, but Draymond Green quickly closed out to block the shot and extend the series.
The ending of this game 😱 pic.twitter.com/7QFvwfyfqY— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) June 11, 2019
[RELATED: What we learned from Warriors' dramatic Game 5 victory]
Sports
San Francisco Chronicle photojournalist tweeted a photo of Green's block, showing that the Warriors' defensive stalwart got just enough of the ball to disrupt the shot.
@warriors Draymond Green deflects a last second game-winning attempt by @Raptors Kyle Lowry preserving Golden State's 106-105 win in Game 5 of #NBAFinals @Money23Green #nba #basketball @sfchronicle photo by @ScottStrazzante pic.twitter.com/zbkxtk2sTT— Scott Strazzante (@ScottStrazzante) June 11, 2019
Golden State's season-saving win came at a high cost, with Durant and Kevon Looney injuring themselves once more in Game 5. The Warriors' tall task is that much taller in Game 6 on Thursday.
