The Milwaukee Bucks finally got back on track with a convincing 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors. After a string of disappointing losses, including defeats to the Nets, Bulls, and Blazers, this win was a welcome sight for Bucks fans.
The game started slowly for Milwaukee, with the Raptors taking an early lead. However, the Bucks found their rhythm midway through the first quarter and never looked back. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the charge, setting the tone for the team’s performance.
Lillard, who had been struggling since returning from illness, showed signs of his old self. He finished with 25 points in just three quarters of play, shooting an efficient 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. This performance was particularly encouraging given his recent shooting slump of 32% since coming back from sickness.
Antetokounmpo, despite having his streak of 27 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points on 50+ FG% broken, still managed to impact the game significantly. He focused on playmaking and distributing the ball, resulting in a triple-double performance. However, his night wasn’t without incident, as he suffered a hand injury that required three stitches.
The Bucks’ bench played a crucial role in the victory, contributing an impressive 63 points. Bobby Portis Jr. led the second unit with 20 points, showcasing his ability to knock down timely three-pointers and provide a spark off the bench.
Andre Jackson Jr. also made his presence felt in limited minutes. His energy and hustle plays, including a crucial block that led to a momentum-shifting three-pointer, helped turn the tide in the Bucks’ favor early in the game.
Defensively, the Bucks held the Raptors to just 26.5% shooting from three-point range. This solid defensive effort, combined with their hot shooting night (22-of-44 from three), proved to be the difference-maker.
While this win was certainly a step in the right direction, there are still areas for improvement. The team’s turnover issues persisted, with 21 giveaways on the night. Additionally, the Bucks’ offensive rebounding continues to be a concern, limiting their second-chance opportunities.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ performance against the Raptors, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Khris Middleton’s absence and its impact on the team
• The Bucks’ offensive struggles despite individual player success
• Potential lineup adjustments to maximize team performance
