Warriors 121 – Raptors 111: too steep

The Raptors went to Oracle Arena hoping for their signature win against a monster team. Sadly, the rules dictate you have to play all 48 minutes.

The Toronto Raptors dug themselves a massive hole early and climbing out proved too arduous an assignment. Although they “won” the game’s final three quarters by 15 points, a disastrous Q1 spelled defeat.

A tilted floor

The Golden State Warriors ran their ball movement offense to near-perfection in the game’s first 12 minutes. Their baskets were either long splashes by their deadly trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Kevin Durant, or easy scores inside. By the time the smoke had cleared, the Warriors, who shot 72% in Q1, had a 25-point lead.…