Warriors takeaways: What we learned in 105-92 Game 4 loss to Raptors

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OAKLAND -- During their five-year run, the Warriors have been a safe bet to provide a good game when their backs are against the wall.

That did not happen Friday night in Game 4 of the 2019 NBA Finals, as the Warriors lost 105-92 to the Toronto Raptors and now find themselves down three games to one in the best-of-seven series. 

In what could be the final game at Oracle Arena, the Warriors laid an egg, squandering an 11-point first-half lead as Kawhi Leonard dominated throughout. 

Since 2015, the Warriors have stood high above the NBA mountaintop with little opposition. Now, facing a potential closeout game Monday night in Toronto, that reign could come to an end.

Here are the immediate takeaways from Game 4.

Third quarter flipped the game

After trailing for much of the contest, the Raptors outscored the Warriors 37-21 in the third quarter. Leonard scored 17 of his game-high 36 points in the frame, taking the life out of the two-time defending champs on their home floor. More disturbing is that Golden State was demolished in a quarter it historically has owned.

With the world watching, the Warriors might have watched their season slip away in the third quarter.

Kawhi Not

For much of the postseason, the Raptors' success has been directly tied to Leonard. On Friday, he delivered again, finishing with 36 points, 12 rebounds and two assists.

With Kevin Durant still out for the Warriors because of a strained right calf, Leonard has been the best player in this year's playoffs, averaging 30.9 points, 4.0 assists and 9.0 rebounds in 21 games.

In his first season in Toronto, Leonard has taken the Raptors to heights not seen in Canadian basketball. A repeat performance in Game 5 could clinch the Raptors' first NBA title.

Boogie struggles

In a game in which the Warriors needed a post presence, DeMarcus Cousins did not provide the required performance, finishing with just six points. missed several defensive assignments, forcing Warriors coach Steve Kerr instead to opt for Andrew Bogut and Kevon Looney.

It's hard not to feel for Cousins, who signed with the Warriors for this moment, only to have his season derailed by injury. Two months ago -- in just his second career playoff game -- he tore his right quad muscle before working his way back into the lineup for the Finals.

With the series shifting back to Canada, a change might need to be made in Golden State's lineup.

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