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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for on the road against Toronto Raptors

By Jordan Treske

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Toronto Raptors during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2019 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks against the Toronto Raptors during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 02, 2019 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 02: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 02: (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Elite of the elites

There are many similarities to draw between the Bucks and the Raptors in their respective styles of play. That’s especially so on the defensive end where the Bucks and Raptors stand first and second in defensive efficiency this season in that order.

How both teams operate and have created such successful defensive units vastly differ and it goes to the strengths and leading qualities of both coaches leading their squads to stand atop or near the top of the league.

SB Nation’s Mike Prada gave an incredibly detailed, illuminating breakdown earlier this month about the organized chaos the Raptors defense throws at opposing teams into taking tough shots and/or errant decisions with the ball. And that’s helped them to stand second in opponent turnover percentage this season, just behind the Chicago Bulls.

Where the Raptors’ defense excels in bringing an insane amount of havoc defensively and the inventiveness of its coach in Nurse, the Bucks reign supreme in their overall defensive structure and that is built on shutting off the rim and paint for their opponents.

Of course, it’s helped to have All-NBA-level defenders like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez and so on and it’s why The Ringer’s Zach Kram recently dove into why this year’s Bucks team has a case to be one of the best in league history when adjusted for pace, etc.

As elite as both defenses, the Bucks and the Raptors are susceptible to similar concerns, like allowing the most and second-most 3-point attempts per game from their opponents. The Raptors, however, have the best opponent 3-point percentage (33.5 percent) while the Bucks rank 19th with opponents hitting their threes at a 36 percent clip.

What both the Bucks and the Raptors can take away from each other Tuesday night and the two games that follow later this season offers up a tantalizing storyline to watch unfold in the three remaining games in this season series. And the glowing success of both teams has brought many to believe this could, once again, be a preview for this season’s Eastern Conference Finals, if everything comes to pass for both teams.

Next. Bucks Gaming: Roster set following NBA 2K League Draft. dark

The Bucks’ clash with the Raptors will tip off a 6.30 p.m. central time.

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