WATCH: Kawhi says failure to contain Warriors cost Raptors win

MANILA, Philippines – Kawhi Leonard simplified that the Toronto Raptors failed to contain the Golden State Warriors late in what could have been the last game of the 2019 NBA Finals.

The Raptors were on the verge of capturing their first title in their 24-year history after being up by 6 points with less than 4 minutes left in their 105-106 Game 5 loss only to witness the Warriors storm back to stay alive.

Down 97-103, the Warriors answered with a 3 straight three-pointers – two from Klay Thompson and one from Steph Curry – to gain a 106-103 advantage. 

The Raptors managed to trim their deficit to a whisker, but could not wrap up the best-of-seven series as Draymond Green blocked a potential game-winning triple by Kyle Lowry at the buzzer. 

“They got some easy looks, Klay got a wide open look twice. Steph came off a pin-down, got an open look and he hit the three, as well. Pretty much we had a big turnover when we were up three,” Leonard said. 

“K-Lo (Lowry) tried to swing it back to Marc (Gasol), he just wasn’t there to catch the ball and that was pretty much the ball game right there. They came down, hit a three, and another three and we weren’t able to score.” 

Despite the loss, the Raptors are still up 3-2, and Leonard wants his teammates to stay the course. 

“It’s not going to be easy, stay confident. We know we can win and that’s it,” Leonard said. 

The Raptors will try to close out the Warriors in Game 6 in Oakland on Thursday, June 13 (Friday, June 14, Philippine time). – Rappler.com