Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reactions From 111-90 Loss To Toronto Raptors
Dec 26, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard
Khris Middleton(22) shoots the ball as Toronto Raptors forward
Patrick Patterson(54) defends during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Raptors won 111-90. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Toronto Raptors thanks to a fourth quarter meltdown, here are your grades and reactions to their overall performance.
For three quarters the Milwaukee Bucks looked like a poised, skillful group, capable of beating any of the league’s best.
Then the fourth quarter happened and fans were swiftly reminded why the Bucks are hovering near the bottom of the standings.
After taking a three point lead into the fourth quarter the Bucks allowed the Raptors to go on a 15-2 run– sealing any hope the Bucks had of starting a season-high three game winning streak.
The usual symptoms of disaster were present in the fourth quarter: they turned it over six times, allowed a remarkable amount of threes (8-12), and had the wrong people taking shots–neither Giannis Antetokounmpo nor Greg Monroe had a FG attempt in the period.
Talented as they are, the Milwaukee Bucks just aren’t good enough to sustain stretches like they did Saturday night and expect to win.
Eventually they will learn how to weather opposing runs, but until then they will continue to whither and die in the face of stark challenges.
And that’s ok–a top five pick could be just the thing this team needs in the long-term.
That certainly seems where they’re headed looking ahead at their schedule. Six of their next seven games are against above .500 teams, and the only one that isn’t is against the upstart Timberwolves. With Jason Kidd absent while he convalesces from hip surgery, this is an operation that could get ugly fast.
After three quarters the most optimistic Bucks fans were thinking playoffs were a possibility this year. After the nightmare fourth the Bucks made it clear the only place they’re headed this off-season is to the draft lottery.
Check out all of our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reaction from the disappointing finish against the Toronto Raptors.
Next: Reactions: The Good