Warriors defeat Raptors, improving to 16-2 record
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Toronto Raptors 117-111 in a competitive game late Thursday night. This match marked the end of the Raptors’ four-game road trip, finishing with a 1-3 record. Toronto has had a tough season and many players, like Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett, have not participated in games. Brandon Ingram is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season after being traded from the New Orleans Pelicans. RJ Barrett's absence has raised questions, while other injuries have affected the team's performance. The Raptors are now focusing on developing young talents like Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley. The game showcased both teams’ competitiveness. The Raptors struggled with turnovers but managed to challenge the Warriors, who have been strong this season with star players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. Curry had to leave the game after a hard fall, but Butler notched his third triple-double of the season. The Raptors fell behind early, but showed signs of resilience. Barnes was impressive, scoring effectively while avoiding jump shots. Quickley and Barnes combined for 30 points. Despite their struggles with ball control, the Raptors managed to take a lead in the third quarter, aided by solid defense. As the game progressed, Golden State caught up after Curry's exit. The Raptors, with a mostly non-starter lineup, played tough. Players like Jamal Shead added physicality and helped control the game's pace. The lead changed hands multiple times, making for an exciting finish. In the closing moments, the game remained tight. The Raptors fought hard for a comeback, with Butler contributing defensively. Despite the effort, they fell short as the Warriors secured another win and continued their strong season.