Start Strong, Win a Game in Toronto
This one might sound obvious, as of course you have to win games. But the Bucks can’t leave Toronto without a win, and they get their first chance on Saturday.
You can count the number of teams to come back after down 0-2 in the first round on one hand (2005 Dallas, 2005 Washington, 2007 Utah, 2013 Memphis, and 2016 Trail Blazers). All time, teams are 18-261 after being down by two games to start a seven-game series.
The difference in amount of talent in roster spots three to eight between these two teams is just too great for the Bucks to be able to make a comeback like that. Barring an injury, like the one to Chris Paul last year that helped the Trail Blazers come back, the Bucks have to steal one on the road.
The Raptors did a good job protecting their home court this year, finishing 28-13 at home. But they have a lot of pressure on them after trading away future assets for rental players to bolster their playoff run this year. On the other hand, the Bucks have no pressure, as few expected them to even make it here in the first place.
Of all those who have worked with Giannis, former players and coaches, many have said he has the potential to be one of the greatest of all time.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Recent History Against Toronto Raptors
His first real playoff series isn’t a must win by any stretch, but a win here could be his first step on the path to greatness, especially since there’s a good chance the winner of this series gets to face one of the greatest in the very next round.