Siakam scores 32, leads Raptors past Warriors in Game 1 of NBA Finals

Pascal Siakam had a playoff career-high 32 points to help the Toronto Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-109 on Thursday night (Friday, PHL time) in Game 1 of a best-of-seven NBA Finals series.

Siakam, who won Finals MVP and led the Toronto's D-League affiliate Raptors 905 to a title in 2017, led the Raptors to a historic victory, shooting 14-for-17 from the field. The Most Improved Player nominee had also eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal in 40 minutes of action.


The Toronto have their first NBA Finals win in franchise history. They controlled the game from start to finish and made a statement in Game 1 against the defending champion Warriors, who are in their fifth straight NBA Finals appearance.

Kawhi Leonard added 23 markers, eight rebounds and five assists. Marc Gasol, who was acquired by the Raptors at the trade deadline, scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Fred VanVleet contributed 15 points, while Kyle Lowry finished with nine assists and seven points. Danny Green had 11 points on 3-of-7 from beyond the arc.

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Golden State, who does not have a home court advantage in this year's Finals, face a 1-0 deficit for the first time in the title series.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 34 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Klay Thompson had 21 points and five rebounds. Draymond Green, who did have a triple-double, finished with 10 points, 10 boards and 10 assists.

The game was the first time the NBA Finals has been played outside the United States.

Game 2 is Sunday (Monday in the Philippines), still in Toronto before the Finals shift to Golden State, for Games 3 and 4.

WATCH: Game 1 highlights of Raptors vs. Warriors