Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in rematch versus Toronto Raptors

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 23: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shake hands prior to Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 23, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images). /

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TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 30 – (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Looking at Toronto

The Raptors come to Milwaukee not having lost a step as many envisioned they could experience in the aftermath of losing two-time NBA Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard, over the offseason.

Their rock solid supporting cast of former All-Stars such as Marc Gasol and Kyle Lowry, and dependable depth pieces such as OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet have all gotten off on the right foot as the Raptors lay down the path toward defending their title this year.

But it’s been the standout play of reigning NBA Most Improved Player, Pascal Siakam, that has been the talk of the Great White North as the 25-year-old is in the early going of making another leap, as evidenced by him averaging 28 points on .510/.444/.963 shooting splits, along with 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists through Toronto’s first five games.

After signing a max contract extension before the start of the 2019-20 season, Siakam has stepped up as the leading force for the Raptors offensively in the wake of Leonard’s departure, judging by his 32.2 usage percentage, and if the Bucks want to slow down the Raptors’ hot start, Siakam looks to be the player to focus their collective attention toward.

While looking to neutralize Siakam will likely top any and all scouting reports for the Bucks, the Raptors’ dynamic attack looks to be as cohesive and multi-dimensional as the Bucks last saw more than five months ago.

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