The NBA Finals has turned into a best-of-five affair, starting with tonight’s Game 3 in Oakland. The Raptors blew a chance to go up 2-0 when they lost a second-half lead at home in Game 2, but they say they’re doing fine mentally with that anguish. The Warriors, meanwhile, have more injuries than a M*A*S*H* unit and won’t have Kevin Durant back for Game 3, at least. Meanwhile, ex-Raptor Demar DeRozan said his trade was necessary for the Raptors to complete their climb, and Anthony Davis looks more and more likely to be traded.
It’s obvious to say that the winner of tonight’s game will have a big edge; the loser will have to win three of the final four games to take the trophy.
🚨 SERIES TIED 1-1 🚨
Game 3 of the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV tips TONIGHT at 9pm/et on ABC & Sportsnet! https://t.co/juqoQhiAaZ pic.twitter.com/TZOXdcjYpA
— NBA (@NBA) June 5, 2019
If the Warriors can cement their dynasty by winning this series with half of their roster injured, it would be quite the feat.
Kevin Durant will not play in Game 3. “He’s ramping up his exercise routines,” Steve Kerr said. Klay Thompson is questionable. Andre Iguodala is good to go. Kevon Looney out for the series.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 4, 2019
Demar DeRozan says he was the ‘sacrificial lamb’ in the Raptors’ rise, but he seems at peace with that.
“I had to be the sacrificial lamb” @DeMar_DeRozan is still rooting for the Raptors in the Finals but explains why he was so hurt when the trade went down. Season finale of “Take It There” with @TaylorRooks https://t.co/CNL1gyPDtm pic.twitter.com/WKUtzvow29
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 4, 2019
It didn’t take long for new Pelicans VP David Griffin to pivot from trying to keep Anthony Davis, to listening to trade offers. There’s a good chance Davis is on the move next month.
As teams continue placing calls on Anthony Davis, Pelicans and executive VP David Griffin have begun listening to teams, league sources told @TheAthleticNBA. Inside Pass on Davis and more from around the league: https://t.co/YjRmRT2JU2
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 4, 2019
Former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins joins Jason Kidd to give Frank Vogel’s staff plenty of experience with the Lakers. Will it make a difference?
The Lakers are hiring Lionel Hollins as an assistant coach, league sources tell ESPN. Hollins is the all-time winningest coach in Memphis and also led Brooklyn to the playoffs. Hollins joins Jason Kidd on Frank Vogel’s new staff.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 4, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Raptors OK mentally, Warriors shaky physically in NBA Finals | Associated Press
• Kerr: Durant out for Game 3, Klay questionable | ESPN.com
• DeRozan: I was ‘sacrificial lamb’ in Raptors’ climb | ESPN.com
• That Anthony Davis trade? Pelicans ‘listening’ to offers, report says; see key dates, teams to watch | The Advocate
• Sources: Lakers adding Hollins to coaching staff | ESPN.com
