Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from crucial Game 3 win vs. Bucks

In front of their home crowd in Game 3, the Toronto Raptors came away with a thrilling double-overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-112.

It took the Toronto Raptors two overtimes to come out victorious against the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday night. The Raptors trail 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals series after the Game 3 win.

Kawhi Leonard was sensational, having scored 30-plus points in all three games in the series. In a career-high minutes played (52), he contributed 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block on 11-for-25 shooting from the field. His partner in crime, Pascal Siakam, had a great game of his own, posting a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds on 9-of-18 shooting.

Marc Gasol had his much-needed emergence game Sunday, getting into double-digit scoring for the first time this series. On the other end of the floor, he was a defensive tower at the rim, blocking or altering several shots attempted in the paint by the opposition. In his double-double effort, he produced 16 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and five blocks on 5-for-10 shooting, including four makes from deep.

For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo was held in check offensively for most of the night and fouled out near the beginning of the second overtime. He posted a double-double of 12 points and career-high 23 rebounds to go along with seven assists and four blocks on 5-for-16 shooting.  The Bucks’ bench produced most of the offense for their team as they collectively had 54 points, led by Malcolm Brogdon and George Hill with 20 and 24 points, respectively.

The Raptors came out strong in the first frame, leading by as many as 11. The Bucks were able to generate some offense when Brogdon and Hill checked into the game, cutting the gap to nine to end the quarter. The second quarter was tightly contested between the two Eastern Conference juggernauts, who exchanged timely 3s and transition buckets. The Raptors turned the ball over six times in the frame, but still led 58-51 by halftime.

After the offensive explosion in the second quarter, both teams cooled off slightly with the Bucks outscoring the Raptors, 24-19 in the third frame. The fourth quarter was much of the same, but on the backs of Giannis’ offensive rebounds and shooting from their two bench studs, the Bucks stayed in the game. Kyle Lowry fouled out after just checking back in with six minutes remaining in the quarter. Norman Powell, who was having a fantastic game for the Raptors fouled out later on as well.

Toronto had an opportunity to extend its 96-92 lead via Siakam free throws, but failed to capitalize. Milwaukee was able to tie the game with 2.2 seconds left, and the Raptors couldn’t get a good look to win the game. In the first overtime, it was battle for both teams to score. Both defenses were protecting the paint and the shooters had cooled off. Toronto had another chance to win the game on the final possession, but failed again.

In the second overtime, it was Giannis’ turn to foul out, which was detrimental for the Bucks as they lost their best offensive weapon and rim protector. On the hustle plays of both Siakam and Leonard, the Raptors were able to outlast Milwaukee 15-9 in the second OT and come out victorious. Here are three takeaways from the must needed Game 3 win.