Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 1 comeback victory vs. Raptors

By Ananth Para | May 16, 2019

MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 15: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during a game against the Toronto Raptors during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). /

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(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). /

2. Rope-A-Dope: Milwaukee Bucks edition

Not only are the Milwaukee Bucks one of the most dangerous threats to the Golden State Warriors dynasty, it is clear that they are also boxing fans.

After being down by double-digits throughout the first half and midway throughout the third (74-62), the Milwaukee Bucks pulled one last trick out of their hats: the Rope-A-Dope.

For the better portion of three quarters, the Bucks were on their heels, absorbing the Raptors’ best punches but being able to avoid the knockout blows that would land on any other team. Rather than playing to win, Milwaukee was playing not to lose, similar to Muhammed Ali at the “Rumble In The Jungle.”

Then a switch flipped.

With the Raptors running on fumes after their emotionally draining Game 7 against the tough-as-nails Philadelphia 76ers, the team came out all too flat-footed against the well-rested Bucks. Recognizing the lack of energy coming from their opponents, the Bucks enforced their will in the paint and on the defensive end, holding all Raptors outside of Kyle Lowry to a combined 0-of-15 shooting from the field.

With the Bucks being able to throw one last haymaker, it was all too much for the fatigued Raptors to keep up with.

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