The Toronto Raptors were able to complete an impressive two-game sweep against the Milwaukee Bucks, with their 110-96 drubbing showing how well they played. Not only were they able to win both games, but they did so in dominant fashion. In a game that featured amazing teamplay and tremendous defense, led to the Raptors finishing with another great victory.
It was clear that the Bucks would make the necessary adjustments needed to avoid extending their losing streak to five games. Even without Kyle Lowry, the Raptors looked like the more dominant team on both ends of the floor.
Toronto’s defense was exceptional, to say the least, in the first half. The Raptors were switching on everything, which threw the Bucks off their game and disrupted the flow that they had on offense.
The Raptors were filling the gaps whenever a teammate was beaten on the dribble, which led to a lot of the Bucks’ possessions ending with a contested isolation shot.
The Toronto Raptors...
— Sid Seixeiro (@Sid_Seixeiro) February 19, 2021
Can’t come home.
Are missing Kyle Lowry.
Don’t have a true centre.
Just beat Giannis twice in three nights.
Are currently in a playoff spot.
This team man.
Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell helped the Raptors win
Meanwhile, the Raptors were moving the ball seamlessly and were getting anything they wanted on offense. Aron Baynes provided a great spark off the bench, with solid defense and great ball movement. Powell was a human flamethrower in the first half, scoring 17 points on 5-7 shooting from the field, and finishing the game with 29 points and four rebounds.
The biggest takeaway from the first half was Toronto’s three-point shooting. The Raptors connected on nine threes, on 50 percent shooing, leading to a convincing 58-41 lead at halftime.
Toronto continued to put their mark on the game in the second half. Milwaukee’s offense was just so stagnant and lacked any movement. Compared to the Raptors’ hyperactive ball movement, which kept the Bucks defense on their toes, the defense looked lackadaisical and lazy.
Toronto had 25 assists on 37 field goals, which is just a testament to how well the Raptors played as a team.
However, the tides of the game started to change once the Bucks put Thanasis Antetokounmpo in the game. A once lifeless Milwaukee Bucks team, suddenly had life once again with the energy of the oldest Antetokounmpo brother fueling them. Despite the momentum changing, the Raptors were still able to fend off the recharged Bucks, heading into the fourth quarter up 13.
OG Anunoby started to come to life in the opening minutes of the final quarter. Anunoby made two strong drives to the basket and completely flipped the momentum back on Toronto’s side.
The Bucks are 0-10 when entering the fourth quarter while trailing, and their struggles remained consistent. Toronto stayed poised and made the right basketball play when it mattered, applying consistent pressure, which led to Giannis fouling out.
Siakam converted on timely and-one opportunities, which sucked the life out of the Bucks roster. Siakam finished with 27 points and six rebounds while leading Toronto down the stretch.
The Raptors have bounced back from their disappointing start to the season, and it seems that they have finally found their groove. Toronto will now direct their attention on a much-anticipated rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.
Raptors: Should Norman Powell remain a permanent starter?
The Toronto Raptors, Norman Powell has been playing the best basketball of his career when he's been a starter this year. Question is, should he remain one?