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

By Jordan Treske

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).
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- MAY 25 – (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- MAY 25 – (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

By the book

As we all saw throughout the Conference Finals last year, the key behind the Raptors’ series-changing turnaround that paved their path to winning last season’s NBA title was their defensive strategy to limit the Bucks and superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Of course, building a wall in front of Giannis and forcing the Bucks’ shooters to carry the torch was a practice that was long bandied about as a way to neutralize them, but Toronto’s personnel and execution on that front was unmatched as it sunk the Bucks’ season from Game 3 onwards in the series.

Even following the departures of All-Defensive caliber defenders like Leonard as well as Danny Green, who left for the Los Angeles Lakers over the offseason, much of the Raptors’ title-winning foundation remains intact this season. Case in point, the Raptors currently rank fifth in defensive efficiency heading into their meeting with the Bucks Saturday night, per NBA.com/stats.

And from that standpoint, it’ll be interesting to see how the Bucks’ offense matches up against the Raptors, especially in light of the concerns they’ve shown during their inconsistent start.

That starts at the basket and to the Bucks’ credit, they made a point to get into the heart of the Orlando Magic’s defense routinely as they routed them in a 123-91 victory Friday night at the Amway Center. Just look at the Bucks’ restricted area attempts they’ve taken through each of their five games so far.

Whether the Bucks can maintain their attacking of the basket against a strong defensive unit like the Raptors have been to start the season will be a key facet to watch throughout their rematch.

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