Raptors rally to eliminate Giannis’ Bucks

The Toronto Raptors came from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 100:94 and advanced to the NBA Finals, recording their fourth win of the series.

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The Toronto Raptors booked their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history after coming from behind to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 100:94 in game six of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The Raptors managed to overturn a 15-point deficit with 14 minutes to play and recorded their fourth consecutive win in the series after losing the opening two games in Milwaukee (4:2).

Giannis did what he could and finished with another double-double, 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers in 39 minutes of play. Brook Lopez added 18 points for the visitors while Khris Middleton finished with 14 points.

The star of the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, led his team in scoring with 27 points while finishing with 17 rebounds and 8 assists. Kyle Lowry played another key role for the hosts with his 17 points.

The Raptors will now match up against the Golden State Warriors for the 2019 NBA title while Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will see a golden opportunity thrown away, after finishing the regular season with the best record in the league.

THE GAME

The Bucks got off to a strong start and an 11-0 run helped them grab an early 6:14 lead. The Raptors responded and pulled level at 16:16 before Milwaukee once again went ahead by double-digits 18:31 to end the quarter.

Milwaukee increased their lead to as many as 15 points, 18:33 and 23:38, but with good defensive play and key shots from Fred VanVleet, the Raptors were back within six points, 44:50, to end the first half. Giannis dropped 10 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and dished 3 assists in the opening half.

Similar to the first half, the Bucks started off stronger and with Giannis leading the way, Milwaukee went on an 8-0 run to regain a comfortable 52:65 lead midway through the third quarter. That lead increased to 15 points, 61:76, with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter. The Raptors, however, fought back and rallied to a 10-0 run to end the period down by just five points 71:76.

The momentum was with Toronto and with the support of the vibrant home fans, the hosts pulled level at 78:78. The Raptors were were determined to see off the Bucks, and they did just that as they grabbed an 87:79 lead. Toronto managed to overturn their 15-point deficit from the third quarter into an eight-point advantage as they recorded a 26-3 run over the span of 6:46 minutes.

A timeout from Mike Budenholzer regrouped the Bucks and they fought back with a 7-0 run to inch within one point at 87:86. A key 3-pointer from Leonard increased Toronto’s lead to five points, 95:90, with Lopez’s free-throws keeping Milwaukee within striking distance at 97:94, with 29 seconds remaining. A free-throw from Siakom and Leonard’s offensive rebound wrapped up the result for Toronto as they marched on to a 100:94 win.

Image Source: The NY Post

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