Toronto Raptors defence plays well, starters don’t get job done vs. Bucks

The Toronto Raptors came up short against the Milwaukee Bucks as the starters couldn’t help the team put the game away in the second half.

Nick Nurse had a clear strategy going up against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks. If Toronto Raptors were going to lose, the Bucks supporting case would have to be the difference makers.

This seemed like a plan that was working for most of the game until the Raptors offence met a tough Bucks defence that made sure Toronto’s starters were not going to have an easy night.

Pascal Siakam had 22 points which is not a terrible night for him but it was the struggles from Serge Ibaka, who shot 2-for-15 from the field, 1-for-10 from three and Kyle Lowry who went 2-for-12 from the field, 1-for-7 from beyond the arc that had a tough time in this game.

Unfortunately, Nurse didn’t want to put more trust in his bench who were producing more than Lowry and Ibaka in less time on the court. Of course, with the game being as close as it was, Nurse was hoping his top guys could overcome their struggles.

"“Tonight it just didn’t go in,” Nurse said after the game. “Serga had like 21 straight great games. You’re going to have that one once in a while and tonight wasn’t his night.”"

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There shouldn’t be a lot of concern about this loss if you’re the Raptors for a couple of reasons but the main one being the absence of Marc Gasol and Norman Powell.

Both would have provided better options especially on the offensive side of the ball but this is a case where the team just has to execute better considering how Toronto has been able to overcome their injuries.

Hopefully, the Raptors use this game as a reminder that as good as they have been this season, Milwaukee is motivated to avenge their elimination. This is something the reigning champions knows a thing or two about.

We can talk about not Kawhi Leonard not being here anymore and why it puts the Raptors at a disadvantage against a star like Antetokounmpo but that hasn’t been the case when the Siakam, Lowry, VanVleet and even Ibaka show up and play to their potential.

What did you think about the Raptors’ loss to the Bucks? What needs to happen for them to have a better chance of beating Milwaukee? Let us know in the comments below.