NBA

stead of exerting their defensive edge, the Warriors allowed the Raptors to dominate with a mix of Kawhi Leonard (36 points on 11-of-22 shooting), a dose of Serge Ibaka (20 points on 9-of-12 shooting) and a whole lot of 3s (10 of 32).

So much for the Warriors simply needing Klay Thompson to return with a left hamstring injury and finish with 28 points on 11-of-18 shooting and 6-of-10 shooting from 3. So much for Stephen Curry building off his 47-point performance in Game 3 by laboring with 28 points while going 9 of 22 from the field and 2 of 9 from deep. So much for the Warriors’ vow to elevate their supporting cast.

The Warriors signed him as their prized free-agent acquisition, but DeMarcus Cousins labored with four turnovers and two fouls. Kevon Looney pleasantly surprised the Warriors with a return after suffering what was initially considered a season-ending injury in Game 2, but his 10 points and six rebounds did little to combat everything else. Draymond Green nearly recorded his sixth triple-double of the postseason with 10 points, 12 rebounds and nine rebounds, but he picked up a technical and could not elevate the Warriors’ defense.

It became so bad the Toronto fans broke out with a “Let’s Go Raptors” chant in the final minute. And to think, the Warriors entered this game with all the energy that often defined what made Oracle Arena so unique. Instead of benefitting from that home-court advantage, the Warriors’ championship foundation showed more cracks.

Warriors confident Kevin Durant will return in Finals

OAKLAND — Despite remaining sidelined for the past month with a strained right calf, Kevin Durant is still expected to return at some point in the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. But when?

“We’re hoping he can play in Game 5 or 6,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Everything in between, I’m not sharing because it has gone haywire. There is so much going on it doesn’t make sense to talk about it. He’s either going to play or he’s not. So tonight he's not playing.”

Durant missed Game 4 on Friday at Oracle Arena, giving the Warriors a sizable challenge in overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. That marked the ninth consecutive playoff game Durant missed since injuring his right calf against the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 8.