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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting Toronto Raptors

By Daniel Barrueco

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors jump ball during a game at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors jump ball during a game at Amalie Arena on January 27, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) 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. /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 10: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Second key to victory when hosting Toronto Raptors — Milwaukee Bucks contain Pascal Siakam

In the Bucks’ first meeting with the Raptors last month, the Bucks contained Toronto’s star forward to just 11 points in 35 minutes.  Granted, it was his first game back from injury, but Milwaukee excelled at forcing him into a more passive, off-ball role.

Recently, though, Siakam has reasserted himself in Toronto’s offense, and the Bucks must be ready. Since that game, Siakam has been on a tear as he’s averaged 24.6 points per game on 49 percent shooting, which has served as a massive jump to his productivity.

He’s been shooting the ball efficiently all over the court, and poses a real threat to Milwaukee’s mid-tier defense. Their best bet is to limit his offensive looks, and force the Raptors to play through their other weapons.

Luckily, the Bucks have the personnel to do just that. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Antetokounmpo, has the elite quickness and length to restrict the big man from creating his own shot.  Realistically, Milwaukee must strive to contain him, rather than attempting to stop him outright.

Make no mistake, Siakam can do damage with the basketball, but focusing on him like Toronto does with Giannis would burn the Bucks tremendously.

The Raptors are far from a one-man show — stopping Siakam at all costs would give them a heavy dose of Kyle Lowry, Fred VanVleet, and Norman Powell to deal with. The Bucks must find the right balance by keying in on Siakam without completely compromising their other defensive assignments. None of these guards are as consistently potent as him, but they certainly must be dealt with.

In their previous meeting, it was Powell who made the Bucks pay. In a season-high 41 minutes, he led all scorers with 26 points and 5 rebounds on an impressive 62% shooting. All three of these guards have the potential to inflict a familiar pain that Milwaukee must prevent: the 3-point burn.

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