The Milwaukee Bucks reminded the Toronto Raptors that they’re not the NBA’s only northern team. Playing inspired defense the Bucks froze the NBA’s fourth best offense while scoring just enough of their own points to escape “We the North” with a 83-75 victory. Khris Middleton scored a season-high 25 points, and Jared Dudley lifted the team with a clutch three pointer to extend the Milwaukee Buck’s winning streak to a season-high four games.
Despite missing the services of Brandon Knight to a quad injury, the Bucks hit the Raptors early from all corners. Using crisp ball movement the Bucks raced to a 24-12 first quarter lead, hitting eleven shots on ten assists. The Bucks were well on their way to conquering the north when O.J. Mayo got himself ejected midway through the second quarter for arguing a non-call on a three point attempt.
Defensively the Bucks neutralized all-star Kyle Lowry’s scoring ability, allowing the star guard just two points on 1-7 shooting. The Bucks surrendered just 75 points to the NBA’s 4th best offensive team, a team that averages 106.8 points a game.
The Bucks took control in the third quarter, making four threes while building a 71-53 lead. But a Terrence Ross dunk ignited the large Air Canada Center crowd, providing palpable energy and fueling a 7-2 Raptor’s run to end the quarter.
Kenyon Martin scored two early fourth quarter points, catching a Middleton pass and easily laying it in. Then the wheels fell off. The Bucks wouldn’t score for the next 8:25 as the offense continually turned the ball over and settled for jump shots.
Meanwhile the Raptors used two three pointers and effective foul shooting to tie the game at 75-75. Giannis Antetokounmpo finally broke the Buck’s scoring slump with a free throw with 3:26 remaining. After the teams exchanged misses, Jared Dudley nailed a three pointer, extending the lead to 79-75.
The Bucks forced a pair of turnovers on the Raptor’s next two possessions before Jerryd Bayless sealed it with a toe-on-the-line 23-foot dagger, extending the score to 82-75.
With the win the Bucks extend their winning streak to a season-high four games, reaching four games over .500 (26-22) for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
We have grades and reactions from the Milwaukee Buck’s surprising road victory over the Toronto Raptors.
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