From COVID-19, to the deaths of Kobe Bryant, David Stern, Little Richard, Kenny Rogers and many others, the past 365 days have not been enjoyable. So bring a little happiness into your day by turning the clock back by one year.
On June. 13, 2020, the Toronto Raptors brought the NBA title to Canada for the first time, ending Golden State’s dynasty by winning Game 6 114-110 at Oracle Arena in Oakland.
Toronto was coming off a Game 5 loss that could have gotten into their heads and allowed the Warriors to square the series, but the longest-serving Raptor, Kyle Lowry, simply would not allow that to happen. Lowry, knocked in the past for some inconsistent playoff performances, solidified his legacy as one of the NBA’s most underrated players by scoring 11 straight points to start the game and 26 in all, along with 10 assists. With Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard turning in a rare mediocre game, Lowry stepped up, along with rising star Pascal Siakam, who also scored 26 points. Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet were outstanding off the bench. Klay Thompson led Golden State with 30 points.
The Warriors — 6-1 in potential elimination games during its historic years-long run — led after three quarters, but the Raptors would not be denied.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020
