The Milwaukee Bucks squandered a 2-1 series lead to lose to the Toronto Raptors in six games. What factors contributed to their elimination, and how does Milwaukee address them moving forward?
The Milwaukee Bucks were on top of the basketball world. After two strong showings ended in a 1-1 series tie in Toronto, the Bucks returned home and absolutely demolished the Toronto Raptors in front of a raucous Milwaukee crowd in Game 3.
Eulogies were composed for this Toronto core, statues to Giannis Antetokounmpo were being planned across the state, and the analysis began on a second round series featuring the Bucks against the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers.
Then Toronto changed its lineup and its destiny, hitting back and ultimately landing the knockout punch in Game 6 to eliminate the Bucks from the playoffs. While there is hope for a bright Milwaukee future — plenty of it, in fact — they will watch the remainder of the 2017 NBA Playoffs from home.
What happened to move the Bucks from sudden favorites to eventual losers? While every series is made up of luck and factors out of their control, five reasons stand out as an explanation for the Milwaukee loss.