The Raptors bring the Bucks back down to earth

How far they were, the moments of collective euphoria experienced by Bucks players the previous day after the victory in Indiana thanks to “buzzer beater” by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Twenty-four hours later, Toronto was responsible for bringing all these beautiful people back down to earth by pitching a complete game to secure their third straight victory, after Cleveland and Memphis.

In addition to the two leaders in scoring, RJ Barrett and Scotty Barnes (23 points), all the main elements of Darko Rajaković’s training played their basketball perfectly. So much so that the match was over in less than three quarters!

The Quickley-Barrett-Barnes trio quickly set the tone by attacking the match aggressively and with a brazen exterior (23-15). Giannis Antetokounmpo had to score three consecutive baskets to revive Milwaukee, but Toronto quickly regained control, with a dunk and a three-pointer by Sandro Mamukelasvili to end the first quarter well, and then a 12-2 run to answer the street shot of the “Greek Turkin-3” off, a run this time fueled by the Ingram-Barnes tandem (66-47).

The start of a long night for the Bucks, still down -19 at halftime (73-54) and putting all their energy into the fight without being able to get back over a 13-point deficit after returning from the locker room. Once again, behind the last attempt to revive Milwaukee (85-72) is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Scotty Barnes and Brandon Ingram were followed once again at the end of the quarter by the still inspired Sandro Mamukelasvili, and this time Toronto was +25 at the end of the third quarter (105-80).

RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes did whatever was necessary to keep the opposition at a good distance until the subs came in who finished with the same dynamic and offered a great success for the Canadians, 128-100!

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Collective Raptors. Eight players with eight points or more, 33 assists (a record tied this season) and +28 in the finish: Toronto may have its benchmark matchup at the beginning of the season, in terms of content and results.

“El Mamou” construction site. The first piece of good news was the return of Jakob Poltl after a three-game absence due to back pain. His presence clearly wasn’t much to match the size of Antetokounmpo, Turner, Portis and the other Kuzmas. But the interior that stood out on the side of the Raptors is Sandro Mamukelašvili! Off the bench, Georgia’s interior brought impact, physicality and skill points as a highlight. Good passes in game-changing moments, finished with 15 points (6/12 shooting including 3/5 from distance), 7 rebounds, 1 assist and +/- of +24!

Overrated Dollars… and no doubt physically worn out by their duel won the day before in Indiana. Toronto knew how to press in the right place increasing their aggression and intensity, in addition to having their shooting. The hero of the previous game, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave his best, scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in 24 minutes. But the rest obviously did not follow.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.