The Toronto Raptors started the season fast, and quickly established themselves as serious championship contenders. On Nov. 29, they were a league-best 18-4, but faced their sternest test of the season: a game against the mighty Golden State Warriors.

The Raptors had three things going for them: Stephen Curry was at the end of an 11-game absence with a groin strain. Draymond Green was out for the Warriors as well. And the game was being played in Toronto. The Raptors did win, in overtime, 131-128.

For the Warriors, Kevin Durant had 51 points.

That performance, his best of the season, shows the kind of impact Durant might have if and when he returns to the N.B.A. finals, perhaps as early as Monday night. He is listed as “questionable” for the game with the Warriors down 3-1 in the series.

Durant practiced Sunday for the first time since he was injured in the second round of the playoffs.