The 2019 NBA Finals tipped off on Thursday night, and it's the Toronto Raptors -- and not the Golden State Warriors -- holding the early series lead. Toronto put.

Watch Live Now: https://allsportshdstream.blogspot.com/p/raptors-vs-warriors.html

Watch Live Now: https://allsportshdstream.blogspot.com/p/raptors-vs-warriors.html

It wasn't easy, but the Golden State Warriors managed to keep their dynasty alive with a dramatic victory over the Toronto Raptors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.

Despite the Raptors nursing a six-point lead with two and a half minutes remaining in the game, the Warriors went on a 9-0 run to close out Toronto, winning 106-105 after Kyle Lowry missed what would have been the game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

While Golden State was able to force a Game 6 at Oracle Arena -- the last-ever game in Oakland before moving into their brand new arena in San Francisco next season -- they have other problems to worry about. Kevin Durant returned for Game 5 and scored 11 points in just 11 minutes of playing time. However, Durant came up lame during the second quarter with what Bob Myers revealed was an Achilles injury following the final buzzer.

Kevon Looney also exited the game in the second half due to re-aggravating the chest injury he suffered earlier in the series. Despite the loss, the Raptors still lead the series 3-2 and will look to close out the 2019 NBA Finals on the road on Thursday night.

Before the series, CBS Sports' panel of NBA experts provided their picks, and as you'll find out, the only thing they disagreed on is how long this series would last. 2019-finals-cover.png 2019 NBA Finals Predictions