| |
|
2019 NBA Finals - Kevin Durant poised to return in Game 5 as Raptors go for the title
By Ponciano Melo Jr. PhilBoxing.com Tue, 11 Jun 2019

TORONTO -- With the blessings of the Golden State Warriors' medical staff, Kevin Durant has been allowed to practice with the team and upgraded to a game time decision for today's Game 5, which means he is highly likely to suit up and help the two-time defending champions stave off elimination.
It's obviously anybody's guess how effective KD will be when he returns from a long layoff due to a calf strain. But given that the Warriors are being outscored 112.8 to 104.4 points per game thus far, any infusion on the offense will be a breath of new life for Golden State.
With or without Kevin Durant, however, the Warriors still face a steep mountain to climb, and the obstacles are difficult to hurdle.
First and foremost is Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging a workmanlike 30.8 points, 10.3 rebounds and four assists in four games while carrying a true shooting percentage of 65.3 percent.
Secondly, Pascal Siakam, a former G-Leaguer is playing like an All-Star, averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 boards and 4.3 dimes an outing.

And then there's the Raptor guards -- Kyle Lowry and Fred VanVleet. They have combined to average 25.9 points per in four games while their physical defense is making the most impact against the Warriors, especially on Steph Curry who is averaging 32.8 points but shooting just 42.percent from the field and 35.7 percent from 3-point distance.
Seeking their third straight title and the fourth in the last five years, the Warriors are a mere 48 minutes away from being dethroned.
For the Raptors, that's how close they are to the ultimate prize. Four quarter. One game. One shining moment.

Photos: Although known for its hockey, Canada has embraced the Toronto Raptors who are gunning for their first-ever NBA title since joining the league in 1995. TV ratings are through the roof, breaking all sorts of records. The Raptors guards -- Kyle Lowry (No,7) and the fearless Fred VanVleet -- are smothering Steph Curry with their defense.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ponciano Melo Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Lorenzo Patricio and Lavant Brownlee Advance to Gold Medal Round in Bulgaria , Sun, 01 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER TIMOTHY BRADLEY JR. TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Paras stops Abcede in 2nd round By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Undefeated Welterweight Ruben Aguilar Stops Luis Lopez in Eight Brutal Rounds in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Patricio, Brownlee and Awinongya Enter Medal Rounds on Day Five of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000 By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026IM Arca finishes in eight place in Pacquiao chess; NM Ilar pockets P100,000 By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026DC Half Marathon on March 8 at Freedom Park By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Athletics Festival Season 4 on March 21-22 By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 01 Mar 2026Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight , Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ , Sat, 28 Feb 2026WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000 By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet , Fri, 27 Feb 2026Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas , Fri, 27 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO , Thu, 26 Feb 2026Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament , Thu, 26 Feb 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|