The Detroit Pistons snapped their record 15-game NBA playoff losing streak with a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday to level their Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece.
Cade Cunningham scored 33 points with 12 rebounds and Dennis Schroder added 20 points off the bench -- including a go-ahead three-pointer with 55.7 seconds left -- as the Pistons thwarted another Knicks' rally bid.
The Los Angeles Clippers also bounced back from a game-one defeat, beating the Nuggets 105-102 in Denver behind a brilliant 39-point performance from Kawhi Leonard.
Also Read -&nbsp;<a class="gh-archive-page-post-title-link" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/armand-duplantis-named-as-laureus-world-sportsman-of-the-year-8987533" aria-label="Armand Duplantis named as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year">Armand Duplantis named as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year</a>
Leonard made 15 of his 19 shot attempts and the Clippers withstood NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic's triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to level their Western Conference series at 1-1.
The Pistons, in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, notched their first playoff victory since game four of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
Two days after the Knicks authored a 21-0 scoring run to rally in game one, the Pistons were pushed to the finish in a fast-paced, physical encounter at Madison Square Garden.
They led by as many as 15 in the third quarter, but the Knicks had cut the deficit to eight going into the final period.
New York star Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth and fed Josh Hart for a dunk that tied it at 94-94 with 1:15 to play.
But Schroder answered immediately, drilling a three-pointer that put the Pistons ahead for good.
The Knicks came up empty on three straight possessions while Schroder and Jalen Duren connected at the free-throw line to seal Detroit's win.
Tobias Harris scored 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds and Duren had 12 points and 13 boards for the Pistons, who host game three on Thursday.
"Feels good to represent the city like we did tonight," Cunningham said. "It's something that the city's been waiting on a long time, so we feel good about it and we're ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them."
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was irked at what he considered inconsistent officiating, noting that the Pistons went to the free-throw line 34 times to the Knicks' 19.
"If Cunningham's driving and there's marginal contact and he's getting to the line, then Jalen (Brunson) deserves to be getting to the line," Thibodeau said.
<h2>Vintage Leonard</h2>
It was another pulsating contest in Denver, where the Clippers bounced back from a narrow game-one overtime defeat thanks to a vintage performance from Leonard -- an NBA champion in 2014 and 2019 who has been hindered by injury in recent seasons.
Leonard set the tone early, making nine of his 10 shots in the first half and sending the Clippers into halftime up 55-52 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In a game that featured 18 lead changes, the Nuggets tied it at 100-100 with 2:07 to play on a three-pointer by Murray.
But Norman Powell came up with a steal and drained a three-pointer and Leonard made a jump shot to put the Clippers up 105-102. Leonard stole a Jokic pass with 37.3 seconds left and Los Angeles held on as Christian Braun and Jokic missed in the waning seconds.
"I just kept going and stayed in the zone," Leonard said. "I didn't worry about what shots were making or missing. I just kept shooting."
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Pistons, in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, notched their first playoff victory since game four of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Sports NBA

The Detroit Pistons snapped their record 15-game NBA playoff losing streak with a 100-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday to level their Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece. Cade Cunningham scored 33 points with 12 rebounds and Dennis Schroder added 20 points off the bench -- including a go-ahead three-pointer with 55.7 seconds left -- as the Pistons thwarted another Knicks' rally bid. The Los Angeles Clippers also bounced back from a game-one defeat, beating the Nuggets 105-102 in Denver behind a brilliant 39-point performance from Kawhi Leonard. Also Read - Armand Duplantis named as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Leonard made 15 of his 19 shot attempts and the Clippers withstood NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic's triple-double of 26 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists to level their Western Conference series at 1-1. The Pistons, in the playoffs for the first time since 2019, notched their first playoff victory since game four of the 2008 Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics. Two days after the Knicks authored a 21-0 scoring run to rally in game one, the Pistons were pushed to the finish in a fast-paced, physical encounter at Madison Square Garden. They led by as many as 15 in the third quarter, but the Knicks had cut the deficit to eight going into the final period. New York star Jalen Brunson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth and fed Josh Hart for a dunk that tied it at 94-94 with 1:15 to play. But Schroder answered immediately, drilling a three-pointer that put the Pistons ahead for good. The Knicks came up empty on three straight possessions while Schroder and Jalen Duren connected at the free-throw line to seal Detroit's win. Tobias Harris scored 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds and Duren had 12 points and 13 boards for the Pistons, who host game three on Thursday. "Feels good to represent the city like we did tonight," Cunningham said. "It's something that the city's been waiting on a long time, so we feel good about it and we're ready to get back to the crib and perform in front of them." Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was irked at what he considered inconsistent officiating, noting that the Pistons went to the free-throw line 34 times to the Knicks' 19. "If Cunningham's driving and there's marginal contact and he's getting to the line, then Jalen (Brunson) deserves to be getting to the line," Thibodeau said. Vintage Leonard It was another pulsating contest in Denver, where the Clippers bounced back from a narrow game-one overtime defeat thanks to a vintage performance from Leonard -- an NBA champion in 2014 and 2019 who has been hindered by injury in recent seasons. Leonard set the tone early, making nine of his 10 shots in the first half and sending the Clippers into halftime up 55-52 with a buzzer-beating three-pointer. In a game that featured 18 lead changes, the Nuggets tied it at 100-100 with 2:07 to play on a three-pointer by Murray. But Norman Powell came up with a steal and drained a three-pointer and Leonard made a jump shot to put the Clippers up 105-102. Leonard stole a Jokic pass with 37.3 seconds left and Los Angeles held on as Christian Braun and Jokic missed in the waning seconds. "I just kept going and stayed in the zone," Leonard said. "I didn't worry about what shots were making or missing. I just kept shooting." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

NBA Playoffs: Pistons win first game since 2008; vintage Kawhi Leonard leads Clippers' fightback

The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in a double overtime thriller on Friday. The game also became the second-highest scoring contest in the history of National Basketball Association (NBA), placed after the Detroit Lions vs Denver Nuggets' epic triple overtime 186-184 duel in December 1983. The Friday game, which saw 44 three-pointers being drained, tied the record for the most 3-pointers in an NBA game.

A game saw a lot of see-saw moments with the Kings coming from 14-point behind in the late fourth quarter and a six-point deficit in both overtime durations. For the Kings, Malik Monk starred with a career-high 45 points and De'Aaron Fox finished with 42 including a go-ahead basket.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-atlanta-hawks-fire-head-coach-nate-mcmillan-564662">NBA: Atlanta Hawks fire head coach Nate McMillan</a>

For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 44 points, his highest this season, and Paul George chipped in with 34. Russell Westbrook, who made his debut for the Clipper, scored 17 points, 14 assists and five rebounds in 39 minutes of play time.&nbsp;

The Clippers had a chance to end the game with an OT buzzer-beater winner but Nicolas Batum couldn't drain the 3-pointer. Los Angeles were ahead 175-169 with just 1:57 remaining on the clock, but the Kings rallied to score the final seven points including the crucial jumper with 36.5 seconds left in the second OT. In the first overtime, Clippers' Kawhi Leonard failed to tip the ball in the basket at the buzzer, leaving the game tied at 164-164.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-lebron-james-ready-to-push-lakers-for-most-important-23-games-of-career-563926">NBA: LeBron James ready to push Lakers for 'most important 23 games of career'</a>

It was not the first time that the Clippers had lost the advantage after being ahead in the game. With the scoreboard reading 145-131 and 4:25 minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Kings went on a rampage with a 22-8 run, sending the game into the overtime. Kings' Monk made the clutch shot for three points with 1.1 seconds on the clock as the Clippers slipped.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in a double overtime thriller on Friday. The game also became the second-highest scoring contest in the history of National Basketball Association (NBA), placed after the Detroit Lions vs Denver Nuggets' epic triple overtime 186-184 duel in December 1983.

The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in a double overtime thriller on Friday. The game also became the second-highest scoring contest in the history of National Basketball Association (NBA), placed after the Detroit Lions vs Denver Nuggets' epic triple overtime 186-184 duel in December 1983. The Friday game, which saw 44 three-pointers being drained, tied the record for the most 3-pointers in an NBA game. A game saw a lot of see-saw moments with the Kings coming from 14-point behind in the late fourth quarter and a six-point deficit in both overtime durations. For the Kings, Malik Monk starred with a career-high 45 points and De'Aaron Fox finished with 42 including a go-ahead basket. Also Read: NBA: Atlanta Hawks fire head coach Nate McMillan For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 44 points, his highest this season, and Paul George chipped in with 34. Russell Westbrook, who made his debut for the Clipper, scored 17 points, 14 assists and five rebounds in 39 minutes of play time. The Clippers had a chance to end the game with an OT buzzer-beater winner but Nicolas Batum couldn't drain the 3-pointer. Los Angeles were ahead 175-169 with just 1:57 remaining on the clock, but the Kings rallied to score the final seven points including the crucial jumper with 36.5 seconds left in the second OT. In the first overtime, Clippers' Kawhi Leonard failed to tip the ball in the basket at the buzzer, leaving the game tied at 164-164. Read More: NBA: LeBron James ready to push Lakers for 'most important 23 games of career' It was not the first time that the Clippers had lost the advantage after being ahead in the game. With the scoreboard reading 145-131 and 4:25 minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Kings went on a rampage with a 22-8 run, sending the game into the overtime. Kings' Monk made the clutch shot for three points with 1.1 seconds on the clock as the Clippers slipped. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA: Sacramento Kings beat Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime thriller

LeBron James' Team LeBron clashed Team Giannis in an emotional All-Star encounter held in United Center, Chicago on Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/girl-dad-lebron-james-to-don-giannas-jersey-number-in-the-all-star-game-278464">'Girl dad' LeBron James to don Gianna's jersey number in the All-Star game</a>

Team LeBron managed to defeat Team Giannis by a whisker in the fourth quarter. The score stood 157-155. The fourth quarter was the match decider after scores were tied in the third phase of the game.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-legend-kobe-bryant-and-his-daughter-gianna-among-9-killed-in-a-chopper-crash-in-california-276748">NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a chopper crash in California</a>

Team Lebron donned Kobe Bryant's daughter Gianna Bryant's jersey number&nbsp;2. Their starting lineup was Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, and James Harden. Team Giannis, who donned Kobe's famous jersey number 24 had Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker and Trae Young. Before the basketball game started, Chaka Khan and Tenille Arts took centre court to sing the United States National Anthem and Canadian National Anthem, respectively.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Kawhi Leonard scores 30 PTS and hits 8 triples to lead <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamLeBron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamLeBron</a> to victory in the 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> Game and win the Kia NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KiaAllStarMVP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KiaAllStarMVP</a> <a href="https://t.co/HNQtL17fHH">pic.twitter.com/HNQtL17fHH</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1229285452248748032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Team LeBron's Kawhi Leonard was declared the winner of NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award. He scored 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 three-pointers in the game.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamLeBron?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamLeBron</a> Captain <a href="https://twitter.com/KingJames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KingJames</a> (23 PTS, 6 AST) helps his team win the 2020 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> Game! <a href="https://t.co/Osn39obk8q">pic.twitter.com/Osn39obk8q</a>
— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1229287359436341248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant in the All-Star game appearance record. James is now on second in the all-time list of NBA All-Star Game appearances with 17 appearances. Kobe had 16 appearances and the record is currently held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (18 appearances).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/IAMJHUD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAMJHUD</a> delivers a powerful pregame performance to honor Kobe <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://t.co/XwdSes5w97">pic.twitter.com/XwdSes5w97</a>
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1229213371049725952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The All-Star game paid tribute to Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash on January 26. Before the game began a minute of silence was held to commemorate the loss of the former Lakers legend. Jennifer Hudson paid her homage to Bryant by a powerful performance. NBA named the MVP of the match award after Kobe Bryant. During the halftime 'Chance the Rapper' also paid tribute to former NBA legend.

LeBron James' Team LeBron clashed Team Giannis in an emotional All-Star encounter held in United Center, Chicago on Sunday. Also read: 'Girl dad' LeBron James to don Gianna's jersey number in the All-Star game Team LeBron managed to defeat Team Giannis by a whisker in the fourth quarter.

LeBron James' Team LeBron clashed Team Giannis in an emotional All-Star encounter held in United Center, Chicago on Sunday. Also read: 'Girl dad' LeBron James to don Gianna's jersey number in the All-Star game Team LeBron managed to defeat Team Giannis by a whisker in the fourth quarter. The score stood 157-155. The fourth quarter was the match decider after scores were tied in the third phase of the game. Also read: NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, among 9 killed in a chopper crash in California Team Lebron donned Kobe Bryant's daughter Gianna Bryant's jersey number 2. Their starting lineup was Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic, and James Harden. Team Giannis, who donned Kobe's famous jersey number 24 had Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, Kemba Walker and Trae Young. Before the basketball game started, Chaka Khan and Tenille Arts took centre court to sing the United States National Anthem and Canadian National Anthem, respectively. Kawhi Leonard scores 30 PTS and hits 8 triples to lead #TeamLeBron to victory in the 2020 #NBAAllStar Game and win the Kia NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award! #KiaAllStarMVP pic.twitter.com/HNQtL17fHH — NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2020 × Team LeBron's Kawhi Leonard was declared the winner of NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award. He scored 30 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 8 three-pointers in the game. #TeamLeBron Captain @KingJames (23 PTS, 6 AST) helps his team win the 2020 #NBAAllStar Game! pic.twitter.com/Osn39obk8q — NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2020 × LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant in the All-Star game appearance record. James is now on second in the all-time list of NBA All-Star Game appearances with 17 appearances. Kobe had 16 appearances and the record is currently held by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (18 appearances). .@IAMJHUD delivers a powerful pregame performance to honor Kobe #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/XwdSes5w97 — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2020 × The All-Star game paid tribute to Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash on January 26. Before the game began a minute of silence was held to commemorate the loss of the former Lakers legend. Jennifer Hudson paid her homage to Bryant by a powerful performance. NBA named the MVP of the match award after Kobe Bryant. During the halftime 'Chance the Rapper' also paid tribute to former NBA legend.

NBA All-Star: Team LeBron beat Team Giannis, LeBron surpasses Kobe's milestone

Pascal Siakam, a major contributor in Toronto's run to the NBA title last season, has signed a four-year maximum rookie contract extension for $130 million, according to multiple reports Saturday.

The 25-year-old Cameroonian forward signed the deal ahead of a Monday deadline for such extensions for 2016 draftees, ESPN and the Toronto Star reported.

Siakam was voted the NBA's Most Improved Player last season as the Raptors, powered by Kawhi Leonard, captured the NBA title, defeating defending champion Golden State in the final.

In the finals opener, Siakam scored a career playoff-high 32 points to lead the Raptors over the Warriors and signal the best-of-seven series upset to come.

Siakam, who only began playing basketball at age 16 in Africa, averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game for the Raptors last season.

With Leonard leaving for the Los Angeles Clippers, Siakam is expected to play a major role for the Raptors over the next few seasons.

The new deal begins after the 2019-20 campaign. Siakam could have signed a five-year deal but opted for fewer years.

Pascal Siakam, a major contributor in Toronto's run to the NBA title last season, has signed a four-year maximum rookie contract extension for $130 million, according to multiple reports Saturday.

Pascal Siakam, a major contributor in Toronto's run to the NBA title last season, has signed a four-year maximum rookie contract extension for $130 million, according to multiple reports Saturday. The 25-year-old Cameroonian forward signed the deal ahead of a Monday deadline for such extensions for 2016 draftees, ESPN and the Toronto Star reported. Siakam was voted the NBA's Most Improved Player last season as the Raptors, powered by Kawhi Leonard, captured the NBA title, defeating defending champion Golden State in the final. In the finals opener, Siakam scored a career playoff-high 32 points to lead the Raptors over the Warriors and signal the best-of-seven series upset to come. Siakam, who only began playing basketball at age 16 in Africa, averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists a game for the Raptors last season. With Leonard leaving for the Los Angeles Clippers, Siakam is expected to play a major role for the Raptors over the next few seasons. The new deal begins after the 2019-20 campaign. Siakam could have signed a five-year deal but opted for fewer years.

Pascal Siakam signs four-year maximum NBA deal with Raptors: Reports

The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders.

Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam each scored 26 points while Kawhi Leonard and reserve Fred VanVleet each added 22 as Toronto won the best-of-seven series four games to two.

Leonard was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after the first in 2014 with San Antonio, which traded him to Toronto last July.

"Last summer I was going through a lot. I just kept working hard and had my mind set on this goal right here. This is why I play basketball. This is what I work hard for. I'm glad to see it all pay off," Leonard said.

The Raptors became the first Canadian club to win a major North American sports title since the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays captured Major League Baseball's World Series.

Klay Thompson scored 30 points to lead the Warriors but left the game with a left knee injury late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly on his left leg.

Injury-hit Golden State was already without two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, who returned in game five Monday after being sidelined for a month only to suffer a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

Andre Iguodala added 22 points for the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 21 and Draymond Green contributed 11 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists.

"Everybody on this team played with a lot of heart. We just came up a little short," Green said.

Golden State had a final shot to win trailing 111-110 but Curry missed a 3-pointer and Green called a timeout when the team had none, setting up three final free throws by Leonard to seal the victory.

The Raptors spoiled the Warriors' farewell appearance at Oracle Arena, Golden State's home since 1971 will be replaced by a new $1 billion venue in San Francisco next season.

Toronto's triumph made this first NBA Finals where road teams won five consecutive games.

Lowry scored 21 points in the first half to give Toronto a 60-57 lead, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the floor and 4-of-5 from 3-point range.

Thompson led the Warriors with 18 first-half points.

Thompson goes down 
 
Iguodala scored six points in a 14-4 Warriors run, joining Curry and Thompson in hitting 3-pointers in the spurt to give Golden State an 80-76 advantage just before disaster struck again.

Thompson landed awkwardly on his left leg on a missed shot and went to the floor writhing in pain, being helped to the locker room with a knee injury as the Warriors called a timeout.

Walking to the locker room, Thompson turned back and returned to the court, a standing crowd screaming with delight to see him sink two free throws.

Thompson couldn't have returned had he not shot the free throws, which gave the Warriors their biggest lead at 85-80.

But after he was seen limping, Thompson was removed and later ruled out with a left knee injury, seen walking out of the arena on crutches.

VanVleet big late 
 
Fielding largely reserves, Golden State held off Toronto but VanVleet sank two 3-pointers and his three free throws with 5:39 remaining pulled the Raptors level at 99-99.

VanVleet struck again from 3-point range and Serge Ibaka scored off a rebound to put Toronto ahead 106-101 with 3:03 remaining.

Draymond Green's 3-pointer pulled the Warriors within 108-105 and after trading free throws, Cousins scored a layin to pull Golden State within 109-108 with 46 seconds remaining.

Siakam hit a jumper but Curry answered with two free throws and after Toronto's Danny Green threw a bad pass out of bounds, the Warriors got the ball with nine seconds remaining down 111-110, setting up the closing drama.

A roaring crowd created an electric atmosphere with a standing ovation at the start but Lowry quieted them with three 3-pointers and a layup for all the Raptor points in an 11-2 run to begin the game.

Thompson had 10 points and Cousins five in a 19-9 Golden State run for a 27-26 Warriors edge and the game stayed tight the rest of the first half.

The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders.

The Toronto Raptors captured their first NBA crown on Thursday, defeating Golden State 114-110 to become the first league champion from outside the United States by dethroning the defending titleholders. Kyle Lowry and Pascal Siakam each scored 26 points while Kawhi Leonard and reserve Fred VanVleet each added 22 as Toronto won the best-of-seven series four games to two. Leonard was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career after the first in 2014 with San Antonio, which traded him to Toronto last July. "Last summer I was going through a lot. I just kept working hard and had my mind set on this goal right here. This is why I play basketball. This is what I work hard for. I'm glad to see it all pay off," Leonard said. The Raptors became the first Canadian club to win a major North American sports title since the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays captured Major League Baseball's World Series. Klay Thompson scored 30 points to lead the Warriors but left the game with a left knee injury late in the third quarter after landing awkwardly on his left leg. Injury-hit Golden State was already without two-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant, who returned in game five Monday after being sidelined for a month only to suffer a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Andre Iguodala added 22 points for the Warriors, Stephen Curry had 21 and Draymond Green contributed 11 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists. "Everybody on this team played with a lot of heart. We just came up a little short," Green said. Golden State had a final shot to win trailing 111-110 but Curry missed a 3-pointer and Green called a timeout when the team had none, setting up three final free throws by Leonard to seal the victory. The Raptors spoiled the Warriors' farewell appearance at Oracle Arena, Golden State's home since 1971 will be replaced by a new $1 billion venue in San Francisco next season. Toronto's triumph made this first NBA Finals where road teams won five consecutive games. Lowry scored 21 points in the first half to give Toronto a 60-57 lead, hitting 7-of-10 shots from the floor and 4-of-5 from 3-point range. Thompson led the Warriors with 18 first-half points. Thompson goes down Iguodala scored six points in a 14-4 Warriors run, joining Curry and Thompson in hitting 3-pointers in the spurt to give Golden State an 80-76 advantage just before disaster struck again. Thompson landed awkwardly on his left leg on a missed shot and went to the floor writhing in pain, being helped to the locker room with a knee injury as the Warriors called a timeout. Walking to the locker room, Thompson turned back and returned to the court, a standing crowd screaming with delight to see him sink two free throws. Thompson couldn't have returned had he not shot the free throws, which gave the Warriors their biggest lead at 85-80. But after he was seen limping, Thompson was removed and later ruled out with a left knee injury, seen walking out of the arena on crutches. VanVleet big late Fielding largely reserves, Golden State held off Toronto but VanVleet sank two 3-pointers and his three free throws with 5:39 remaining pulled the Raptors level at 99-99. VanVleet struck again from 3-point range and Serge Ibaka scored off a rebound to put Toronto ahead 106-101 with 3:03 remaining. Draymond Green's 3-pointer pulled the Warriors within 108-105 and after trading free throws, Cousins scored a layin to pull Golden State within 109-108 with 46 seconds remaining. Siakam hit a jumper but Curry answered with two free throws and after Toronto's Danny Green threw a bad pass out of bounds, the Warriors got the ball with nine seconds remaining down 111-110, setting up the closing drama. A roaring crowd created an electric atmosphere with a standing ovation at the start but Lowry quieted them with three 3-pointers and a layup for all the Raptor points in an 11-2 run to begin the game. Thompson had 10 points and Cousins five in a 19-9 Golden State run for a 27-26 Warriors edge and the game stayed tight the rest of the first half.

Toronto Raptors dethrone Golden State Warriors to lift first NBA crown

kawhi-leonard

Kawhi Leonard, News on Kawhi Leonard, stories on Kawhi Leonard, articles on Kawhi Leonard, Kawhi Leonard stories at Wion, Kawhi Leonard news, Kawhi Leonard latest news

kawhi leonard

NBA Playoffs: Pistons win first game since 2008; vintage Kawhi Leonard leads Clippers' fightback

NBA: Sacramento Kings beat Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double overtime thriller

NBA All-Star: Team LeBron beat Team Giannis, LeBron surpasses Kobe's milestone

Pascal Siakam signs four-year maximum NBA deal with Raptors: Reports

Toronto Raptors dethrone Golden State Warriors to lift first NBA crown