NBA Finals Game 3 Preview

The NBA Finals continue with Game 3 later today. The series is heading to Oakland as the Warriors host the Toronto Raptors.

In Game 2, the Warriors tied the series 1-1 with a 109-104 win. The Warriors won this game while dealing with several issues. Their biggest problem was Klay Thompson’s injury towards the end of the game.

Klay Thompson Suffers Hamstring Injury

During Game 2, Thompson suffered a hamstring injury. He landed awkwardly after a shot attempt in the fourth quarter, left the game and did not return. Thompson later received an MRI and was diagnosed with a strained hamstring. He is likely questionable in Game 3.

Before the injury, Thompson had 25 points. He led the team in points as he shot 59 percent from the field. Thompson stepped up as fellow “Splash Brother” Steph Curry dealt with an illness.

During the game, ESPN’s Doris Burke noted that Curry seemed to be feeling ill. Regardless, Curry had 23 points despite shooting 6-of-17 from the field. Their performances helped their team tie the series.

The Series is Tied 1-1

The Raptors took advantage of their home court in Game 1 but came up short in Game 2. Despite an 18 point run in the second half from the Warriors, the Raptors fought their way back. The Raptors scored 10 straight points and cut the lead to two points towards the end of the game. But Warriors veteran Andre Iguodala made a crucial three-pointer with 5.9 seconds remaining. His shot lead to the Warriors’ win.

For the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard led the team with 34 points. He shot slightly better in Game 2 than in Game 1. He shot 40 percent from the field in Game 2 versus 38 percent in Game 1. Leonard was one of four Raptors to score in double figures.

Fred VanVleet continues to play well as he scored 17 points off the bench. Kyle Lowry scored 13 points despite fouling out, and Pascal Siakam had 12. The Raptors lost in Game 2, but have a chance to win on the road. If they win at least one game in Oakland, they can return to their home floor with a slight advantage.

What to Expect

As the series heads to Oakland, both teams find themselves in interesting positions. The Warriors are home but dealing with injuries. Thompson’s injury will be a factor in Game 3, and the Warriors are still waiting on Durant’s return. The Warriors also lost one of their bench players in Kevon Looney will miss the rest of the series with a costal cartilage fracture. With a beat-up Warriors team, the Raptors can take advantage and steal a game in Oakland. It is up to them to do so.

Raptors win 110-105

Featured image courtesy of Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers along with Davion.