How the Toronto Raptors’ season could play out according to NBA 2K20
Eastern Conference Finals
Just like the 2018-19 Eastern Conference Finals, the Milwaukee Bucks had a homecourt advantage. Unlike Game 1 of that series, however, they wouldn’t deal with the first blow. The Toronto Raptors shocking the world and winning 111-89, with Pascal Siakam carrying on from his impressive form from the last series and scoring 28 points on 8-of-19 shooting.
Incredibly, the Raptors put themselves in an even better position in Game 2 and took a 2-0 series lead after holding off a second-half Bucks comeback and winning 115-108. Giannis Antetokounmpo had been held to 23 points per game over the first two games and the Raptors were doing a good job containing him.
Just like the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, they had a 2-0 lead heading into Toronto. Hopefully, this time, they would take Game 3. However, the Bucks were finally too much for their counterparts and blew the Raptors out the water in Game 3 – winning 134-114. Not even Pascal Siakam’s 45 points on 18-of-33 shooting could keep the Raptors in this game.
Interestingly enough, Siakam’s 45 points in Game 3 tied Kawhi Leonard‘s record for the second-most points in a playoff game in franchise history, so there was a silver lining of sorts. But the Raptors needed to get back on track and not let the Bucks back into the series.
Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo finally found his groove in Game 4 and dismantled the Raptors to the tune of 28 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and two steals as the Bucks blew the Raptors out again in a 109-89 victory. The series hung in the balance.
Game 5 was a turning point for the Raptors, it was the first time since Game 1 of the first round that they were behind in a series, with the Bucks walking away 118-99 winners and Antetokounmpo dominating again. Was the ride over?
Not yet. The Raptors downed the Bucks 118-109 on the back of 41-point fourth quarter and Kyle Lowry’s 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting night, with every bucket coming from deep. Once again, the Raptors were in a do-or-die in a Game 7 – but would the tide turn in their favour once again?
The big news heading into Game 7 was that Marc Gasol was finally fully healthy, recovering just in time from his pulled calf that left his postseason hanging in the balance. What part would he play in Game 7?
Somehow, someway, the Raptors did it, overcoming the Bucks 123-121 in the final few minutes of the game to make their way to the NBA Finals for the second time in two years. The never say die attitude of the team was on full display and they were ready to retain their crown.
Their opponents?
The LA Clippers, who had defeated the Houston Rockets in six games. It was Kawhi Leonard vs the Toronto Raptors.