Toronto Raptors: 5 keys to 2019 Eastern Conference Finals vs. Bucks

5. Contain Giannis

Nick Nurse’s club will have to do what Dwane Casey’s and Brad Stevens’ teams could not: find a way to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Of course, no team has been able to keep the Greek Freak in check this season.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 steals per game in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The 24-year-old, who is also shooting 52.2 percent from the floor, has shown no signs of slowing down.

According to NBA.com, 55.1 percent of Antetokounmpo’s points are scored in the paint. That’s a percentage typically met by more traditional post-up players, but Milwaukee’s do-it-all forward is different.

He attacks the basket like a point guard but can also bully his way to the rim like a center. And then there’s his inexplicable athleticism that’s impossible to defend.

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Luckily for the Toronto Raptors, they’re holding opponents to just 37.3 paint points per game (the lowest among active teams) in the postseason. Now that interior defense of Pascal Siakam, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will be put to the ultimate test.

After steamrolling through the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics earlier in the playoffs, Antetokounmpo and his Bucks will begin this series on seven days’ rest.

An extended break caught the MVP candidate off guard in Game 1 of the semifinals against Boston. Don’t expect that to happen again.