Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Loss To Toronto Raptors

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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Bucks went down swinging at the end of a dramatic Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors, and a promise-filled playoff campaign.

The Milwaukee Bucks fought to the very last second facing elimination in Game 6. The team didn’t give up down 25 midway through the third quarter, as Giannis Antetokounmpo played all but one minute in the game.

It was a learning opportunity for the young playoff team and although they may not have gotten the result they ultimately desired, but they gave it everything they had.

The Bucks got off to a rocking 8-2 start with eight consecutive points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, along with two blocks from Thon Maker in the opening two minutes. Playing with the energy that won them their two games in the series, the team created a buzz around the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

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Toronto worked their way into a single point lead with five minutes left in the first quarter. DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry sliced their way into the paint, combining for eight points, four assists, and zero turnovers in seven minutes.

Khris Middleton returned from the timeout break with a three, to retake the lead for his team, 20-18. The Milwaukee lead would once again be short lived as the Raptors handily took the final four minutes of the quarter.

Giannis had a terrific first quarter, opening with 14 points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Thon added two points, one assist, and three blocks in his six minutes on the floor. Middleton also had a nice quarter with six points, two rebounds, an assist, as well as two turnovers.

Toronto started the second quarter with the same level of control that allowed them to take the lead after one. John Henson received his first extended minutes of the series, but was exposed at the rim. The Raptors managed three easy lay-ins before Henson warmed up to the playoff energy and blocked a transition layup.

The Raptors took advantage opening a 45-34 lead with five minutes left before halftime. Thon Maker returned to action, recording his fourth block of the half, helping Milwaukee cut the lead to nine.

Jason Kidd then took the rookie out of the game, moving Giannis to center in hopes of going on a run to end the half. Toronto instantly got whatever they wanted going to the rim, though, finishing the half with a 51-38 advantage.

Milwaukee only had 14 points in the second quarter, as they struggled to find any rhythm against the lane clogging Raptors.

The offense continued to struggle putting points on the board, playing one point per minute basketball in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Toronto used some lock down defense to build an 18 point lead.

Milwaukee turned the ball over trying to get to the rim on three of the next four possessions, allowing the lead to extend to 71-46.

As the NBA world started discussing the Bucks offseason, they didn’t give in, going on a 15-3 run to cut the lead to 13. Milwaukee headed to the fourth quarter down 74-61.

The home team continued to cut into the lead, getting the game down to only eight points with six minutes remaining. Giannis was absolutely gassed, as the Bucks best offense turned into him getting fouled or an offensive rebound from Greg Monroe.

Antetokounmpo was up to 41 minutes played, but in the elimination game, Jason Kidd kept him on the floor. It was the team’s only hope, and it worked for coach Kidd and the Bucks, as they came all the way back to take a two-point lead off a Jason Terry three.

The Bucks missed a bunch of free throws during their improbable comeback. But still, they were able to rebound a couple of misses, and forced turnover after turnover on the other end. The missed free throws were crucial, but even they helped with the comeback.

The Raptors went on a 7-0 run after the JET three, making the Bucks dig deep hoping for another improbable comeback. Milwaukee continued to play incredible perimeter defense, playoff Matthew Dellavedova looked worth his contract, producing turnovers and poor looks at the basket.

Milwaukee cut the lead down to three, Giannis had the ball with 11 seconds left, with Kyle Lowry guarding him. The possession had become an isolation situation after Toronto played up on the rotation passes, making sure Tony Snell or Khris Middleton wouldn’t get a clean look from three.

Giannis toyed with Lowry too long, finally driving in for an open dunk with just over three seconds left in the game, cutting the lead to one point. Milwaukee played for a steal, eventually sending DeMar DeRozan to the line.

The Raptors All-Star knocked down both free throws, extending the lead to three points. Milwaukee was without a timeout, and tried to draw up a play between free throws. There was a miscommunication on where Giannis should be. He ended up setting a screen for JET too high up the floor, cramping the team’s spacing.

Khris came up the floor to try to bail the play out. Snell saw him, knew he was the team’s best bet at a miracle three and tried to thread the needle. Unfortunately, the pass was easily intercepted by Patrick Patterson who sent a quick pass to DeRozan who threw the ball into the air, finishing the Bucks season.

The Jason Kidd-Giannis era didn’t give the fans much to cheer about in their 2015 Game 6 loss to the Chicago Bulls, but made the fans very proud in the 2017 version.

Sigh. Takeaway time y’all.

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