Milwaukee Bucks: Series With Toronto Raptors Is Tied But Not Even

Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles past Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Milwaukee defeated Toronto 97-83. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks dropped Game 2 against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night. Despite the loss, the Bucks are in prime position to win the series.

The Milwaukee Bucks were playing with house money Tuesday night. Serious underdogs to the Toronto Raptors, the Bucks stole home court in Game 1 with a 97-83 victory in Toronto. Regardless of the outcome in Game 2, the Bucks are ahead of expectations in their return to the postseason.

Even though Milwaukee lost Game 2, 106-100, they are in strong position ahead of Game 3. Not only do they have a win banked, but they play three of the final five games at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee. The Bucks are ahead of the curve.

Outside of the basic numbers, the Bucks have shown they are not an outmatched team getting lucky. Rather, they have proven through eight quarters that they are every bit as good as the higher-seeded Raptors, if not better.

What have the Bucks shown in their first two games that should give the team – and its fans – confidence moving forward? Why was the Toronto win in Game 2 fool’s gold? And should the Cleveland Cavaliers begin watching Milwaukee tape?