With no hoops on the calendar until Dec. 22, Warriors Wire is rewinding the tape through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups, standout performances and everything else in between.
With Steph Curry and Draymond Green missing time due to injury, Kevin Durant registered a scorching stretch of games with a new season-high scoring mark in three consecutive contests.
After torching the Orlando Magic for 49 points on 9 points on 16-of-33 shooting from the field, the 10-time All-Star laced up against Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors.
Before the Warriors matched up with the Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals, the two powerhouse teams traded heavyweight knockout punches during a regular-season tilt.
November 29, 2018
With his two All-Star teammates sidelined, Durant began to take over early against the Raptors, scoring 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting in the first half. The reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player was unable to get his long-distance shot to fall, missing all three of his attempts in the first two quarters.
After a big first quarter, the Raptors were able to take a nine-point lead into halftime over Durant’s Golden State squad. Despite an early advantage, Durant’s thrilling second-half effort helped push a late comeback from the Warriors.
In the second half, Durant ripped the Raptors for 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. The Golden State forward knocked down 4-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc in the final 24 minutes.
Although the Warriors were able to force the game into overtime, Toronto’s rounded attack led by Leonard was to much for Kerr’s shorthanded rotation to handle. While only Durant, Klay Thompson and Jonas Jerebko notched double figures in scoring for Golden State, six different Raptors tallied 10 or more points.
Leonard led the way for Toronto with 37 points on 14-of-24 shooting from the field with eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.
Despite the loss, Durant finished the game with his 2018-19 season-high in scoring with 51 points on 18-of-31 shooting from the field. Durant added 11 rebounds and six assists in 43 minutes.
Watch highlights from Durant’s performance in Toronto via YouTube:
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