An emotional Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night will long be remembered. It kept the Golden State Warriors’ quest for a three-peat alive. It also cost the Toronto Raptors a golden chance at their first NBA title. And Kevin Durant re-injured his calf/Achilles, possibly much worse, and could change the NBA for years to come. Tuesday will be about dissecting all of that. Speaking of shaping the NBA, the Pelicans appear to be close to trading superstar Anthony Davis, with the twist of a three-team trade a possibility. And the draft is only nine days away, with players and teams trying to put themselves in the best position possible.
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for three consecutive 3-pointers to erase a six-point deficit in the final three minutes with their season on the line. And then Draymond Green deflected Kyle Lowry’s game-winning attempt on the other end.
Steph Curry (31 PTS, 5 3PM) and Klay Thompson (26 PTS, 7 3PM) stepped up for the @warriors to force a Game 6! #StrengthInNumbers | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/KzOkQdNeDh
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 11, 2019
Kawhi has it 1v1 against Klay to end the game. Great communication on the weakside here. Iguodala times his double perfectly. Great closeout by Livingston. Gasol was doing everything he could to keep Draymond but Draymond was able to close to Lowry. Great defense. pic.twitter.com/fLIkzIGnfi
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) June 11, 2019
Besides the Warriors’ comeback and survival, the news of the night was Kevin Durant, who will have an MRI on Tuesday to confirm what the Warriors fear is a serious Achilles injury.
Warriors GM Bob Myers in tears explaining that Kevin Durant has an Achilles injury and will get an MRI tomorrow. I showed Steph Curry this video in the locker room – he began tearing up as well, went to find Bob, then hugged him. pic.twitter.com/kklInlOmEP
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 11, 2019
As for the Raptors, they’ve got to get ready for Game 6 on the road after being three minutes away from the title. Coach Nick Nurse called a timeout with his team riding a wave of momentum, and it all went downhill from there.
Raptors were rolling, up 103-97, they had the ball and the crowd on its feet and Nick Nurse called time out with 3:05 left…..Warriors close out game on 9-2 run. No party. Game 6 Thursday
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) June 11, 2019
The biggest piece in the trade market is Pelicans center Anthony Davis, who wants to be traded to the Lakers or Knicks if he’s going to sign a long-term deal. New Orleans, of course, might have other ideas.
New Column:
The Anthony Davis Saga became the Anthony Davis confrontation on Monday.
A pair of reports cleanly drew the battle lines.
So the question is, whose weapon is more powerful?https://t.co/6TpFWRGaV8
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) June 11, 2019
If Zion Williamson is the first pick in the NBA Draft, and Ja Morant goes second to Memphis, then it’s likely the Knicks will take RJ Barrett third. Unless they trade the pick. Or take someone else. (Hey, RJ: You don’t draft the team; they draft you).
RJ Barrett after his Knicks workout: pic.twitter.com/kr3zDEBY0t
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 10, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Warriors hang on to stay alive, win Game 5 of NBA Finals | Associated Press
• Sources: Pelicans open to multiteam Davis deal | ESPN.com
