3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ thrilling 130-122 win over the Raptors

Joe Ingles provided an essential spark off the bench in the Milwaukee Bucks’ win over the Toronto Raptors

After missing the previous game against the Pacers, Joe Ingles returned to the Milwaukee Bucks’ lineup against the Raptors and made his presence felt.

In the first half, Ingles looked as aggressive as he ever has in a Bucks uniform by scoring 12 points on 3-of-4 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point land. Ingles also found himself at the free throw line for five attempts, four of which he buried. Those 12 points were the second most by a Buck in the first half. When Ingles was not knocking down shots, he was looking for his teammates, as he notched three assists in that same timeframe. Ingles looked great out there, but there was more to come in the second half of action, even though it was not more of the same.

While his first half was all about scoring, Ingles took a far different approach in the second half. The veteran took just one shot in the final two quarters, which was a tough layup that resulted in a 3-point play, but he managed to stay involved by working as a passer. Ingles made sure to get his teammates involved, as assisted on some aforementioned buckets by Allen and Lopez. When the game ended, Ingles had five more assists to add to his total. Ingles, who certainly is not known for his defense, also was credited for a block on Fred VanVleet after a nice hustle play in the fourth.

After a hit-or-miss start to his season in December, Ingles has truly started to find a groove as of late. The veteran’s shooting and passing abilities are starting to take shape, and Ingles has looked beyond comfortable alongside his teammates. With 15 points and eight assists against Toronto, Ingles logged one of his best games of the season, and his impact was on full display.