Milwaukee Bucks’ Grades And Reactions In 92-89 Loss to Toronto Raptors

Jan 19, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) holds the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) during the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Toronto won 92-89. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Reactions: The Good

• It was great to see Ersan Ilyasova emerge after sleep-walking through the game in London. He contributed 23 valuable minutes which saw him take the ball to the rim, hit open shots, and rebound well–Ilyasova led the team with seven rebounds. Ilyasova’s inside-outside game was in full effect Monday night as he established his jumper early and then attacked the rim. Let’s hope he can stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Although Giannis didn’t play his greatest game, he did toss this absolute gem of a cross-court bounce pass to Khris Middleton. Amazing.

• You have to admire the way the Bucks constantly battled despite having so many opportunities to fold. They opened the fourth quarter with a superior level of intensity–surging to take a brief lead 76-75 with just over six minutes remaining. When they have more big moment experience expect this team to be able to win more of these hotly contested games.

• The Bucks passed the ball well, notching 22 assists on 34 made shots. Conversely, the Raptors’ 36 field goals came on just 17 assists. We’ve seen the Bucks move the ball well this entire season so it comes as little surprise to see them pass the ball so effectively.

Next: The Bad