The Raptors are not afraid to let themselves go and do not fear the champions in title

In fact, as a result of their 123-109 win in Game 3 in one of the most intimidating buildings in the NBA, the Raptors could be creating their own promising genetic code.

"That's right," said Serge Ibaka, who blocked six shots in the match and toppled a monster wing jumper with 10 minutes of play. "We're working on our own DNA, and its defense. nights where you will do all your photos, but that will not happen every night.One thing is certain: we can defend. "

Nobody had to explain to the Raptors what was at stake. Kevon Looney is absent for the rest of the series. Klay Thompson was a very late scratch because of a stretched thigh. Kevin Durant missed his eighth consecutive game because of a tense calf. For Toronto, there was no choice but to win. If we lose the game, it would be the death knell of a team that participates in this great stage for the first time and must enjoy it.

The Raptors had to snatch from it and take a 2-1 lead, especially with Durant hiding in the shadows, planning his return. As a preparation, someone wrote a simple message on the Toronto Whiteboard just before the outbreak: "Let it rip."

"That was the plan," said veteran Kyle Lowry, who has made some of the biggest shots of his career in the game. "Stay cool .Stay calm .Do not let them affect what we do . & # 39;

What the Raptors did in the first minutes was the starting point of the attack, DeMarcus Cousins, who repeatedly fed Marc Gasol to the post as if it were a reincarnation of Shaquille O & # 39; Neal. Gasol took as many shots (seven) on Wednesday in the first quarter as during the entire second match. The Raptors also sought to unleash the lively Pascal Siakam in and around the key, where he is most effective. At the end of two minutes of the first quarter, the visitors had a lead of 10 and Thompson was chained to the bench, his warm-ups very tight. He collapsed ahead, his anguish acceptable.

"I would never have forgiven myself if I had played it tonight and that he had been injured," said Golden State coach Steve Kerr.

It was expected that Curry, the last standing supernova, would be asked to carry an excessive load on his slender body, and he was up to his task. By the end of the third quarter, Curry had scored 40 points in 13 out of 13 shots. The only problem was that the rest of the fighters had shot 38% together (16 out of 42).

Still, Curry ended up getting a nifty feed from Andrew Bogut early in the third quarter to bring his team's deficit down to seven (66-59). Golden State was in full swing, in the midst of a 7-0 spurt, but Toronto's transcendent star, Kawhi Leonard, who scored 30 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, calmed the optimistic crowd with a dazzling transition pointer. The Warriors reduced the number of shots to seven on Andre Iguodala's corner 3, but Lowry lined up a long ball to bring him back to 10.

"These moments were so important," said Fred VanVleet, who conceded 11 key points and fierce defense over Curry. "We continue to create our identity as a team, more difficult, a little stronger."

If they formed a different group of players, the Warriors might be tempted to linger a bit on the danger that lay in wait for them. What if Thompson could not participate in Match 4? And if Durant stays behind? Do they have enough firepower to defeat a young and improving opponent who has shown his own stubborn resilience?