Raptors Beat Bucks 100-94, Advance to the NBA Finals

For the first time in their history, the Toronto Raptors are in the NBA Finals. The only franchise from Canada defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 100-94 and closed the Eastern Conference finals series in 6 games.

This is the biggest success in the Raptors’ franchise so far. But for Kyle Lowry, the guy who is here since the start of his career, it isn’t enough. The point guard wants more.

“I’m not satisfied. Our goal is to win the NBA Championships.”

The Raptors made a fantastic 26-3 run at the end of the third and the start of the fourth, which made it possible for them to erase a 15-point deficit and to close the game with style. The guests from Wisconsin were dominant in the first half, splashing and hitting from all positions. Bucks finished the first period with a 31-18 lead and were up 38-23 at one moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joQ75X2brJ8

The home team managed to come back until the break, but not to take the lead. Milwaukee was still ahead, 50-43. With 2:18 left in the third, the visitors were up 76-61, and things didn’t look good for the Raptors.

But a 10-0 run to close the third and 16-3 to open the final sequence turned this game upside down. Toronto was up 87-79 after Kawhi’s superb dunk on Giannis, his second in this series. Kyle Lowry stole the ball and went towards the rim, but instead of finishing, he passed the ball back to Leonard who was in full speed.

After that, even Giannis couldn’t do anything.

“It was kind of a momentum capper,” Lowry said. “We were on a run, and why not feed the big dog? Let the big dog eat.”

KAWHI THREW DOWN ON GIANNIS 😱

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/4P5QTO7TAX

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 26, 2019

The big dog (Leonard) had 27 points last night, 17 rebounds along with that, and also seven assists. His shooting percentage wasn’t good as he missed 13 of 22 shots, and was 1 of 8 from behind the arc. Pascal Siakam scored 18 points, Lowry 17 with 8 dimes and 5 boards, while Fred VanVleet posted another good performance off the bench.

He contributed with 14 points, shooting 4 of 5 from deep.

On the other side, Giannis led the heard. The Greek Freak scored 21 points, had 11 boards, 4 assists, and three blocks. However, he wasn’t that shiny when needed the most. He scored only three points in the final 12 minutes.

The MVP frontrunner was very upset after the match, and he left the press conference in the middle of the interviews.

“You got to learn how to come out and close out games, especially after Game 3,” said Giannis before he walked out of the conference room. “I think it’s just the start of a long journey.”

Giannis was out of there😂pic.twitter.com/XMNDwD1YDj

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 26, 2019

Brook Lopez had 18 points and 8 boards, but without a single three-pointer. Khris Middleton added 14 points, Ilyasova 13 with 6 rebounds of the bench. Eric Bledsoe had just 10 points with 7 dimes and 5 rebounds.

The Bucks didn’t do well when needed to slow down the game and preserve the lead. Their offensive schemes couldn’t deceive Toronto’s defense, and what was the biggest reason for their loss, they choked.

Meanwhile, the Raptors were pumped up and haven’t lost their mindset in the moments when trailing.

They are entering the finals as massive underdogs against Golden State Warriors. And they are aware of that fact but aren’t willing to surrender.

“They’re one of the greatest teams in history,” coach Nurse stated. “It will be a tall task, but we’ll try to figure it out.”

The Warriors will have a couple of days more to rest, but the fact that Raptors avoided Game 7 will give them four days to recharge and recover from the tough series against the Bucks.

A big thing for them is the home court advantage. For the first time in the Finals, the Warriors won’t be in a position to have the home crowd behind them in the opening two matches. Also, it appears that Kevin Durant isn’t going to be ready for Game 1. Still, with all that, GSW is a massive favorite here.

For Leonard, meanwhile, things are pretty simple.

“We got to go in, have a mental focus, and enjoy the moment and take the challenge.”

Game 1 is set for Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena.