Toronto Raptors waste offensive breakout from Kyle Lowry in Game 1

After getting off to a blazing start in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Toronto Raptors allow a brilliant performance from Lowry go to waste.

For most of Game 1, the Toronto Raptors were in complete control against the Milwaukee Bucks until late in the fourth quarter where it all fell apart.

Taking the first game on the road in the Eastern Conference Final would have been a huge statement, instead, a couple of players have to give themselves a reality check. One player who doesn’t need one is Kyle Lowry because he was brilliant.

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He finished the game with 30 points, eight rebounds and made seven three-pointers especially a couple of crucial ones as he tried to carry the team in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, a breakout game from Lowry went to waste because of the poor play around him especially Marc Gasol and Danny Green.

Kawhi Leonard did have 31 points in this game but in the fourth quarter, he was shut down by the Bucks defence as they forced the plays to Gasol and Green who had nothing to offer offensively combining for 12 points and six turnovers.

A big problem for the Raptors wasn’t Giannis Antetokounmpo who did record a double-double (24 points, 14 rebounds) rather it was Brooke Lopez who led Milwaukee with 29 points including a team-high four three-pointers.

While the Raptors defensive effort was solid, Lowry was the only player capable of scoring in the fourth. Did they expect Kyle to do it all in the end? Really it is inexcusable considering the position they were in to take home court advantage away.

If a couple of players can get some of their open shots to fall, then this game would have ended differently. Now, they will have to dig deep and find a way to avoid going down 2-0 in this series.

This means Lowry trying to build off that performance and the Raptors finding their form from the first half because they doing great things in the opening half. They should also avoid getting bullied in the paint because they had some brutal turnovers when they got swarmed.

Instead of talking about a masterful performance from Lowry, his teammates let him down and he has every reason to be frustrated.

How upset/frustrated were you about the Raptors loss? Do you think Lowry can continue to play as he did in Game 1? Let us know in the comments below.