Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Monta Ellis (11) shoots against Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the third quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It’s unpleasant to attempt a write-up of such a game. Every team throws up a stinker now and again during an 82-game NBA schedule replete with back-to-backs and other offenses to the players’ bodies, and the fans’ wallets. However, this match was stunningly bad. Rudy Gay, the star we couldn’t succeed without, managed 4 points. Amir Johnson, whose mid-season excellence is fast fading from memory, made one basket, the same as Rudy. Between them they needed 17 shots to score their pair of buckets, and combined for a minus41. Jonas Valanciunas had 12, but struggled mightily with foul trouble, ending up with 5 of them against 3 rebounds. Our other rookies, Terrence Ross and Quincy Acy, also reached double figures in scoring, with 11 and 13 respectively. Quincy’s total is a career high, and included his first attempted 3-ball, which splashed. If our veterans have another game like this one, you might see all three rookies start the next. Our second unit outscored the starters 48-35.

Sebastian Telfair is being given every opportunity to prove he belongs in a Rap uniform next season, but is flubbing his close-up. He missed all 5 shots he tried, although he did hand out 7 assists.

The Raps’ pitiful 3-point shooting was once again (not) on display, connecting on 3 of 10 tries.

The Raps’ inside game was choked off by the Bucks’ Larry Sanders, who blocked six shots. Monta Ellis scored points and stole the ball, exactly as feared. He and his backcourt mate, Brandon Jennings, combined for 38 points and 16 assists.

Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Quincy Acy (4) drives for the basket as Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) defends during the second quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Raps need to acquire some sort of Harry Potter-like potion of forgetfulness, and drink it quickly to put behind them the memory of this mockery of a game. One hopes it was an aberration, and the real Raps will show up for the finale of this road trip in Chicago on Tuesday.

Brian Boake is an editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Apr 5, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) drives to the basket during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Bucks should have nailed down a playoff spot by now, but have hit a rough patch and are under .500. They have dropped their past 2 games, so should be in a snarly mood. The Raps have 2 straight wins, and can make it 3 if they:

1. Hit their outside shots. The Raps’ backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan should be able to shoot over their smallish opposite numbers, Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings. Normally I push for more inside play, particularly now that Jonas Valanciunas is proving himself to be a highly efficient offensive weapon. However, the Bucks are a nasty squad to score against in the low post. Larry Sanders has exploded from obscurity to become one of the NBA’s top shot blockers, and Ersan Illyasova will defend all of our power forwards effectively, boxing out and using his quick hands to make steals.  Speaking of steals….
2. Protect the ball in the backcourt. Ellis leads the NBA in an unusual stat – most games this season (9) with at least 5 steals. The Bucks’ highest scorer is insanely quick, and will drive by you, or pick your pocket, in a heartbeat. Jennings will also gamble on steals, so the Raps, who are too often guilty of lazy passes, will need to be careful all night.
3. Get solid play from the second unit. Milwaukee’s subs include veteran gunner Mike Dunleavy, 3-point bomber J.J. Redick, and a  big, skinny promising rookie named John Henson. If our guys like Alan Anderson, Sebastian Telfair (who appears to have bumped John Lucas out of our rotation), and Terrence Ross don’t defend with vigor, the game might well be over before the starters return.

Apr 5, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Milwaukee Bucks point guard Monta Ellis (11) drives to the basket during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Brian Boake is an editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.