TORONTO _ The Warriors lost in overtime, 131-128, to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, leaving the defending NBA champions with reasons to feel upset with the short-term results without feeling worried about the long-term implications.
The Warriors (15-8) had no answer on limiting All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard (37 points), Pascal Siakam (26), Serge Ibaka (20), Danny Green (13), Jonas Valanciuneas (12) and Kyle Lowry (10). The Raptors (19-4) also scored 48 points in the paint. Although Draymond Green cannot cover all four positions at once, he presumably would bolster the Warriors' defensive intensity and rotations once he returns from a right toe injury.
The Warriors trailed by as many as 18 points. Just to keep the game competitive, Kevin Durant needed to score 51 points in his sixth career 50-point game, while shooting 18-for-31 from the field, 4-for-7 from 3-point range and 11-for-12 from the free-throw line. He also drilled a corner 3-pointer to tie the game at 119 with 8.6 seconds left in regulation.
On the ensuing play, Ibaka could not get off a shot in time before time expired. In overtime, Durant made a jumper to tie the game at 123 with 2:26. On the ensuing plays, though, Durant lost the ball off his foot and then was called for his third foul. Lowry then forced a turnover on Warriors veteran Andre Iguodala, which end with Siakam making two foul shots for a 128-123 lead with 1:05 left. Iguodala then was called for traveling.
Stephen Curry presumably would have solved such issues. He arguably could prevent games from starting off lopsided. He likely would bolster the team's 3-point shooting. And he probably would relieve Durant's workload. That could happen as soon as when the Warriors visit the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
The Warriors have not found a dependable starting center. Once again, Damian Jones labored with early foul trouble (two) in limited minutes (11). Jordan Bell (zero points, four rebounds) offered little, and Kevon Looney (five points, six rebounds) provided his normal energy and a layup that cut the Raptors' lead to 114-112 with 1:40 left. The Warriors presumably will have more stability at that center spot once DeMarcus Cousins returns later this season from a left Achilles tendon injury.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson added 23 points while shooting 9-for-19 from the field and 3-for-9 from 3-point range. Warriors forward Jonas Jerebko had 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting and nine rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench.
