Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 loss vs. Bucks

1. Kyle Lowry erupts

If I told you that the best player on both ends for the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter would be 33-year-old Kyle Lowry, would you believe me? A few years ago it would definitely be plausible. The last time he scored 30 or points in a playoff game was in 2016. This year, he has taken more of a playmaking role instead of primary scoring duties to allow Leonard or Siakam to handle more the offensive load.

Wednesday night was a completely different Lowry. He was the main reason his team was able to keep up with the Bucks in the final stretches of the game. He had 14 of the team’s 17 points in the final frame and was his tenacious self on the defensive end. He practically said to Khris Middleton, “Gimme that” when he swiped the ball right from his hands on a key possession late in the game and proceeded for an easy solo fast break.

Lowry set a new career-high with seven made 3s in a single postseason game, two of which came in the final frame. On a night where the team’s offense looked stagnant, mostly in the second half, it was Lowry who was able to generate some offense.

He did have his faults as well, missing a crucial free throw to help cut the lead late in the game, and he wasn’t playmaking for his teammates near his usual standard. It wasn’t for lack of trying though, as he had a great pick-and-roll with Gasol late, which the latter missed on an open opportunity.

Going into next game, the supporting cast has to do a better job getting to their spots with activity. Lowry needs to create more plays for others, the team needs to get Leonard looks that aren’t all isolation sets and Siakam needs to be optimized on mismatched defenders.

It’s unlikely the Bucks will get the sensational production they did from Lopez again, but that doesn’t mean they won’t play hard to protect their home court. It was a missed opportunity to steal a game on the road, but the Raptors will have another opportunity to Friday night.