The last time the Golden State Warriors won an away game was back when Klay Thompson erupted for 52 points against the Chicago Bulls.
That was in October.
Kevin Durant attempted to halt their road woes in Toronto with a virtuoso performance himself, pouring in 51 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. In a game labeled as a potential NBA Finals preview, however, the Raptors survived for a 131-128 win in overtime on Thursday.
With news that Stephen Curry would sit one more game with a groin injury, Durant went full takeover mode down the stretch for the Warriors, bringing the ball up court and draining a fusillade of pull-up jumpers and contested 3s.
He’s averaging 48 points over his last three games and became the third Warrior to drop 50 points this season. The 1961-62 Lakers are the only other team in NBA history to have three players reach such a threshold in the same season (Elgin Baylor, Rudy LaRusso and Jerry West).
Durant’s night was countered by an elite outing from Kawhi Leonard, who hadn’t faced Golden State since Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference finals when he suffered a series-ending ankle injury.
The two All-Stars matched up against each other throughout the game to stage an epic duel. Durant drilled an insane corner 3 over Leonard to force overtime, and Leonard stripped Durant during the extra period to prompt a clutch turnover.
Leonard finished with a season-high 37 points, while Pascal Siakam notched a career-high 26 points on just 10 shots as Toronto extended its win streak to seven.
Drake mesmerized
It’s not quite on the level of the legendary GIF of “Wee-Bey” from “The Wire”, but Drake had one shocked face after Durant connected on a 3-pointer near the Toronto logo.
Durant gave the “Scorpion” rapper and courtside heckler his jersey after the contest.
Sager strong
With Jimmy V Week underway, both TNT and ESPN will honor the late Craig Sager during their broadcasts this week. The “Inside The NBA” crew made the announcement during their pregame show, donning vibrant attire inspired by Sager.
The TNT crew pays tribute to Craig Sager with some #SagerStrong style. 👔 pic.twitter.com/rpryNwTwt5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 30, 2018
Others, including Raptors coach Nick Nurse and Lakers boss Luke Walton, joined in, too.
#SagerStrong in Toronto! pic.twitter.com/YbavOZs6Zz
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2018
Coach honoring #SagerStrong with tonight jacket pic.twitter.com/K0b7pz6jzc
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 30, 2018
We miss you, Craig. #SagerStrong | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/YScfpjEuP7
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 30, 2018
Another LeBron milestone
The last time LeBron James matched up against the Pacers he went off for 45 points to avoid a first-round playoff exit. Thursday’s game ended in triumph as well with the Lakers star registering 38 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
With the performance, James surpassed Karl Malone for the third-most 30-point games in NBA history.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for moving up to 3rd on the NBA’s ALL-TIME 30-POINT GAMES list!#LakeShow #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/rPgWitigMV
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2018
Shaqtin’ nominees?
What’s with the Lakers point guards being right at the basket with an open look but passing instead?
On the other end, here’s one of the weirdest blown layups you’ll see this season…