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

Bucks Have Been Better Overall

One reason Milwaukee should have confidence moving forward is that it has been the better team thus far. That plays out on the most basic level by adding up the numbers – the Bucks won by 14 in Game 1, and lost by just six in Game 2.

That is much too simplistic a way to look at things, but it highlights the simple fact that Milwaukee was competitive right to the end of the Raptors’ win. It was a one-point contest going into the fourth quarter, and Milwaukee missed several shots in the final minutes that would have tied the game.

In Game 1, Milwaukee took control well before the end. They closed out the third quarter and never allowed the Raptors room to breathe on offense in the fourth, keeping a comfortable lead throughout.

Toronto’s best quarter was the 22-17 closing frame in Tuesday night’s win. The Bucks have three quarters where they outstripped the Raptors by at least eight points. Toronto has never been able to take control of a game, whereas Milwaukee clearly did in Game 1.

Finally, the Bucks have simply looked like a better team thus far. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been incredible, dominating in Game 1 and still getting quality looks in the second contest despite missing shots. The Raptors fought out a win, but they do not look like a team with a talent edge.

Through 96 minutes, that has been the Milwaukee Bucks and their long, athletic group of youngsters, led by the longest one of them all in Antetokounmpo.