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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 4 loss vs. Raptors

By Daniel Lubofsky

TORONTO, ON- MAY 21 - The Milwaukee Bucks watch the final minutes of the game as the Toronto Raptors beat the Milwaukee Bucks in game four 120-102 to even up the Eastern Conference NBA Final at two games each at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. May 21, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- MAY 21 - The Milwaukee Bucks watch the final minutes of the game as the Toronto Raptors beat the Milwaukee Bucks in game four 120-102 to even up the Eastern Conference NBA Final at two games each at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. May 21, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Milwaukee allows Toronto to go haywire

For numerous stretches at a time during these playoffs, the Raptors grappled with the notion that Kawhi Leonard lacked the supporting cast necessary to help lead Toronto to the Finals. Kyle Lowry is a multiple-time All-Star and Pascal Siakam had a breakout season, but their play along with everyone else’s on the roster fluctuated from game to game.

In the biggest game of the season, Kawhi’s teammates stepped up to the challenge when the superstar himself looked to be compromised. Lowry dropped 25 points, the second-most he’s put up this postseason. Five other players scored 10-plus in the win, highlighted by Norman Powell, who continued his fine play against Milwaukee with 18 points off the bench.

Most if not all of the Bucks’ defensive effort is geared towards slowing down Kawhi. He is Toronto’s unquestioned best scoring option, capable of putting up 30 without much effort exuded. This presents other Raptors with a chance to make their mark, a decision head coach Mike Budenholzer has decided to live with for fear of the alternative.

Even so, Milwaukee is one of the longest and most versatile teams in the league and ranked No. 1 in defensive rating during the regular season. Slowing down this Toronto squad shouldn’t have to be an either/or proposition.

It’ll be interesting to see whether or not the Raptors can replicate their all-around performance in Game 5 and beyond. Whether they do or not, it might be time for the Bucks to start giving guys like Serge Ibaka and Fred VanVleet more respect to better serve their defense. For them not to seems like a risk that isn’t worth taking at this point in time.

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