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

2. The beauty and the beast

The beauty: It’s no secret that Toronto Raptors’ big man, Marc Gasol needed a bounce-back performance for his team to have a chance to win Sunday night. After calling himself out heading into the game, Big Spain responded in a big way.

His five-block effort was a team-high. So were his seven assists. He played the third-most minutes for the Raptors, just under 46 — his highest in the season. What was most impressive was his 4-for-8 shooting from deep, doubling his collective makes from Game 1 (two) and Game 2 (zero).

After the first two games of the series, Gasol was averaging 7.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. His 16 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in Game 3 were an emergence of sorts. He was instrumental in the overtimes as the defensive anchor and third offensive weapon.

The beast: Fred VanVleet and Danny Green continued to disappoint in this series. Combined, they shot 2-for-20 from the field and 2-for-14 from deep. Defensively, they both do their parts to help to impact the game positively, but as non-factors offensively in the heavy minutes they play, the coaching staff may look to other options.

Norman Powell continue his great form with 19 points off the bench on 7-for-13 shooting. It’s looking more likely he may be replacing Green’s starter minutes. Powell would have gotten extended play if it wasn’t for fouling out late in the game. Both of Green’s and FVV’s makes were in overtime, having both been held scoreless for the first four quarters.

The Raptors’ bench was outscored 54-27 by the Bucks’ bench, largely because of Hill’s and Brodgon’s performances. The game was close, the Raptors’ second unit has been outperformed every game in the series and Green hasn’t scored in double figures in the last five games. A shake-up could be imminent.