Toronto Raptors Get Much-Needed Game 2 Victory Over Milwaukee
In almost a must-win scenario, the Toronto Raptors held off the persistent Milwaukee Bucks to tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece
After losing Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks, the annual questioning of the Toronto Raptors stole the headlines over the weekend.
It’s almost like a tradition in the NBA Playoffs. Though, that doesn’t make it OK. And even though the Raptors have lost Game 1 in 11 of the 12 playoff series that they have played in team history, losing the opening game in a series where you are heavily favored in is bad practice.
The Raptors needed to respond in Game 2. And that’s exactly what they did to the tune of a 106-100 victory, tying the series at one game apiece.
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Led by DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, who both shot over 50 percent from the field in Game 2, Toronto controlled the entire game and never looked overwhelmed, even despite a late rally by the Bucks in the fourth quarter.
DeRozan and Lowry combined for 45 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Overall, the team shot 48 percent from the field AND three-point range. Toronto’s hot shooting coupled with holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to 9-24 shooting from the field (he finished with 24 points, still) helped make way for a Raptors rebound in Game 2.
Serge Ibaka, who hit four huge three-pointers, added 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the Raptors’ win. Cory Joseph logged 11 off the bench.
As the series shifts to Milwaukee for Games 3 and 4, the questions still exist – can we finally (fully) trust the Toronto Raptors?
Toronto looked a bit more like themselves in Game 2, especially behind big performances from DeRozan and Lowry. Although, they’re going to have to win at least one game on the road in order to win this series.
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Can they put their Game 1 troubles behind them, or will it rear its ugly head again?