Milwaukee Bucks: 5 Keys To Beating The Toronto Raptors

Don’t Let DeRozan Get Comfortable

DeMar DeRozan had himself another fine year. Part of the All-Star backcourt that drives this Raptors team, DeRozan was fifth in the NBA in points per game at 27.3. While he has been criticized at times for his defense, his offensive production has helped guide the Raptors even when Kyle Lowry was sidelined with a wrist injury.

But that’s in the regular season.

For some reason or another, DeMar’s shooting percentages, which are normally very good, plummet in the playoffs. Although he shot 44.6 percent and 33.8 percent from the three last season, in the playoffs those numbers declined to 39.4 percent and 15.4 percent from three. He also scored 3.2 less points per game.

In wins this season, he shoots 48.2 percent from the field, 32.9 from three. However, in losses that drops to 43.9 percent and 16.7 from three.

If key defenders Tony Snell and Khris Middleton, and even guys like Jason Terry or Malcolm Brogdon can force him into taking more tough shots, the pressure is on him to make them. And if he can’t, the Bucks have a very good chance.