The Milwaukee Bucks upset the Toronto Raptors on the road to take the first game of the series.
By the time Giannis Antetokounmpo picked up a technical foul for insulting DeMar DeRozan‘s layup attempt with an emphatic rejection, the game was well in hand. The game ended with the Bucks winning 97-83 two minutes after the lighting of Rashad Vaughn, the human victory cigar.
Giannis was fantastic all game. He got to the rim early and often, and dunked over almost every Raptor. He was also effective from midrange, where he made four shots.
Coming in, a big question was what would the rotations look like. Jason Kidd played 11 players in the first half, but cut it down to eight in the second. It’s no coincidence that the Bucks performed much better in the second half, outscoring the Raptors 51-32.
MORE FROM BUCKS NEWS
- 4/15 – Milwaukee Bucks Daily: It’s Game Day
- 4/14 – Milwaukee Bucks Daily: Buildup To Game 1 In Toronto Continues
- 4/13 – Milwaukee Bucks Daily: Bucks Start Playoffs Saturday In Toronto
- 4/12 – Milwaukee Bucks Daily: Matchup With Raptors Set For First Round
- 4/11 – Milwaukee Bucks Daily: Giannis Antetokounmpo Ties Franchise Triple-Double Record
In a game where Khris Middleton and Kyle Lowry both struggled to shoot, the role players shined much brighter. Thon Maker blocked both Raptors’ stars in the third quarter, Greg Monroe put up 14 points and 15 rebounds in his 26 minutes and Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell combined to go 7/14 from deep. The only Raptor to score in double figures besides DeRozan was Serge Ibaka, who had a very good night with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
We’ll look at some of the key takeaway from last night, what the Bucks did well, and what they’ll need to improve on to come out strong for game two.