On Friday night, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, increasing their lead in the series to 3-1.
The game took place at Oakland’s Oracle Arena, but the home side was not victorious. Golden State took an early lead, which they held until the third quarter. By the end of it, Toronto was ahead by 12 points. They remained in control of the game until the final buzzer.
Toronto’s victory did involve one alarming moment. Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet left the game in the fourth quarter after taking an elbow to the face. According to the New York Times report from the game, “The N.B.A. later announced that VanVleet received seven stiches but did not sustain a concussion.” The San Francisco Chronicle also reported that the injury had knocked out one of VanVleet’s teeth.
Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points for the victors, while Serge Ibaka and Pascal Siakam scored 20 and 19, respectively. For Golden State, Klay Thompson scored 28 points, Stephen Curry scored 27 and Kevon Looney scored 10.
It remains unclear whether Golden State’s Kevin Durant will have recovered from his injury enough to make an impact in the rest of the finals. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said that he hoped Durant would be ready by Game 5 or 6.
The Raptors will host the Warriors for the potentially decisive Game 5 on Monday, June 10.
Editor’s Note: RealClearLife, a news and lifestyle publisher, is now a part of InsideHook. Together, we’ll be covering current events, pop culture, sports, travel, health and the world. Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.