It was a tough battle but the Bucks got back to winning ways, picking up their 51st win of the season with the help of an unstoppable Brook Lopez in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee had taken the game by the right end with 7 3-point baskets scored in the first quarter including a 2/2 for Khris Middleton (33-29). But the sequel took another turn, with Toronto coming back quickly thanks to its application, and also its address.
The Trent Jr-Anunoby pair caught fire from afar in turn to pass a 13-3 and reverse the balance of power (36-42). The efforts of the Connaughton-Portis tandem combined with those of Giannis Antetokounmpo allowed Milwaukee to pass the warm rest, at +2 (58-56). But very quickly, the Raptors regained control.
Alongside OG Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr and Jakob Poeltl, Toronto dominated its opponent, with a symbolic action: a counter by Precious Achiuwa on Jrue Holiday offering fast play to Fred VanVleet who had the lucidity necessary to find Gary Trent Jr in transition for a 3-pointer which weighed on local morale (76-83).
But the big man of this 3rd quarter was Fred VanVleet. Author of a 2 + 1 then two 3-point missiles, the leader then paid Giannis Antetokounmpo with a basket at the last second of possession on the head of the “Greek Freak”. Enough to keep the Bucks six lengths 12 minutes from the end (89-95).
In a position of strength at the start of the last act, the Raptors ended up sinking before the determination of one man: Brook Lopez! The pivot of the Bucks made the total, starting with an 8-0 fueled by his 2 + 1 and his dunk after overflowing Pascal Siakam (97-95). The “big man” from Milwaukee did not stop in such a good way since he then countered Gary Trent Jr, then delivered a caviar for Bobby Portis before adding two free throws (103-97).
After starting the period at 1/10 in shooting, Toronto never recovered, especially after a new “and one” from Brook Lopez followed by a new basket to maintain the lead at +5 (112-107 ) and finally allow his team to win, 118 to 111.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The “Brook Lopez Show”. While the Raptors had taken the upper hand, the pivot was simply incredible in turning the situation around almost single-handedly, chaining decisive actions both in attack and defense with impressive pace. He scored 17 of the Bucks’ 29 points in the final act. Stunning!
– Scottie Barnes shot in the wrist. The Swiss army knife of the Raptors could only play 13 minutes, the fault of a wrist injury which forced him to withdraw for the rest of the meeting. The X-ray taken during the match did not reveal a fracture, but the player will be re-examined today.
– Lost bullets. After three quarters, Toronto had achieved a great feat by having lost only two balls, a sign that the formation of Nick Nurse held the match by the right end. Everything changed then since in addition to having cracked against the breaking Brook Lopez, the Raptors lost five balls in 12 minutes. As the commentator who follows the Habs all year round pointed out, those five “turnovers” potentially equal 10 points that made all the difference when it came to the tally.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Brook Lopez. Who else ? The pivot was impressive in efficiency and foresight in the last act. Even if he made a few mistakes in the general euphoria, it was he who sounded the revolt thanks to the 8-0 of which he was the main craftsman to reverse the trend at the start of the fourth quarter.
✅Giannis Antetokounmpo. More sober even if still as spectacular, but also fairer and more effective. This time, the “Greek Freak” did not steal his triple-double with his “perfect” 9/9 shooting for 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
✅⛔ Fred VanVleet. A big third quarter, but less impact then, when Toronto would have needed one or two more exploits from him.
⛔ Pascal Siakam. Not particularly a bad match, but too little in the shot in scoring (13 points at 5/14 in shooting) in addition to having disappeared from circulation at certain times of the match.
⛔ Will Barton. We do not shoot the ambulance but the back is in full crisis of confidence since his arrival in Toronto and the game tonight (0/6 to 3-points for 0 point in 13 minutes) is not going to help him .
THE FOLLOWING
Milwaukee (51-20) : the Bucks receive San Antonio on Wednesday (01:00).
Toronto (35-37) : the Raptors host the Pacers on Wednesday (12:30 a.m.).
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