Raptors take 3-2 lead over Bucks

“We were just trying to send as many bodies to him as we possibly could”, Casey said. That look has given the Raptors a little more speed, floor spacing and outside shooting, all of which has proven useful against a young and fast Bucks team.

Even when Powell isn’t getting regular minutes his teammates nearly invariably arrive at the gym to the sound of Powell shooting to stay sharp. Though Toronto couldn’t stop Milwaukee, the Bucks didn’t really slow the Raptors, either. Defensively, he’s completely locked down Khris Middleton.

While the series started with Casey questioning the legality of Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova’s screens, it has turned into an appreciation of the agitator’s skills as the series has gone on.

Powell’s impressive playoff efforts have Toronto back in control of the series and on the brink of advancing in the National Basketball Association playoffs.

With the Warriors leading the Portland Trail Blazers 3-0 in the series, one might have expected a let down game, however it was clear that this years Warriors are not going to take their foot off the gas. Just admire this three ball he was thrust into with the shot clock expiring, and how it dropped, after bouncing around the rim, to keep himself flawless from long distance since being inserted into the starting five. He seemingly challenges nearly every shot the Bucks get near the rim when he’s on the floor. General Manager Masai Ujiri pulled the trigger on the deal as he believed in Ibaka’s ability to turn the Raptors from pretenders into contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The victory was Toronto’s most decisive of these playoffs.

Howard, a nonfactor for much of the first three games, finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds. It clearly bothered him during the game – when he wasn’t on the court, he was lying on his back in front of the bench.

Lowry led Toronto with 12 first-half points and Ibaka had 11. That’s a welcoming sign for the Raptors and a trend that needs to continue. At times, they can’t live with Lowry.

For Milwaukee, they can take solace in the fact that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been downright unstoppable. “They’re a get-it-into-the-paint team, your philosophy defensively is first take away the paint, you have to take away the highest-percentage shot”.

At home, the Bucks will likely feel more comfortable, and they will fight for their playoff lives. It’s just probably not this year.

Aside from the Raptors’ general history with these things, there’s also the fact that this series has been bizarrely unpredictable. While inconsistent at times, both Malcolm Brogdon and Thon Maker are not in awe of the big stage.

For a Raptors team with two All-Stars in their backcourt, and plenty of depth behind their two stars, it’s a bit player’s influence that has them thinking big again.

The Raptors have learned, if they didn’t already know, that there is absolutely no quit in these Bucks. They were unstoppable on both ends of the court last Thursday, winning 104-77.

We’ve seen this before from the Raptors. “He’s picked them up here in the last couple of games just with his energy and spirit”. “And we just couldn’t respond”.

“Any time you’re behind the backboard and still finish the ball, you’ve got to (respect it)”. There’s a real argument that, if the Raptors get past the Bucks, they should leave the starting lineup as-is against the Cleveland Cavaliers, especially the way Powell has been playing.