2019 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Toronto Raptors
Warriors fall short in quest for three-peat as Raptors capture first title.
The 2019 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2018–19 NBA season. The Toronto Raptors defeated the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors in six games to win their first NBA championship.
Quick Facts
- Major injuries
- Kevin Durant (Achilles)
Lore & Background
The Warriors entered the Finals aiming for a three-peat, having won the previous two titles. They finished the regular season with a 57–25 record, the best in the Western Conference. In Game 5, Kevin Durant returned from a calf injury but tore his Achilles tendon. The Warriors won Game 5 on the road to send the series to Game 6.
Reader's Guide
Game 5 was played in Toronto. The Warriors won despite Durant's Achilles injury. Klay Thompson's ACL tear occurred in Game 6, not Game 5.
Did You Know?
- The Raptors became the first NBA team based outside the United States to win a championship.
- Kawhi Leonard was named Finals MVP for the second time in his career.
- This was the first NBA Finals since 2010 not to feature LeBron James.
- Game 6 was the last NBA Finals game played at Oracle Arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who delivered a standout performance despite the loss in Game 5?
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with a heroic 28-point effort, attempting to keep his team competitive after their stars went down. His scoring was insufficient to overcome the Raptors' defense or the sudden absence of Durant and Thompson.
Why is this specific game considered the turning point for the Warriors dynasty?
This contest marked the abrupt end of Golden State's era because it simultaneously knocked out their two primary scorers, Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson. The injuries shifted the series momentum irreversibly toward Toronto, preventing any realistic chance of a Game 7.
What were the long-term consequences of the injuries sustained in this game?
The ruptured Achilles for Kevin Durant and torn ACL for Klay Thompson dismantled the core of the Warriors' championship roster. These injuries forced a complete reconstruction of the team, signaling the tragic conclusion to their four-title run.
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