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Toronto Raptors: 3 takeaways from big Game 4 win vs. Bucks

By Jonathan Turco

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 21: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors high fives Kawhi Leonard #2 during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 21: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors high fives Kawhi Leonard #2 during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 21, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2.  Kyle Lowry steps up

Toronto Raptors’ Game 3 double-overtime win was mostly without two key players in the extra frames, Lowry and Powell. Lowry’s night was cut short after fouling out with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. He was visibly frustrated about how he was unable to be on the floor to help his team.

That frustration translated to aggressiveness in Game 4, producing team-high 25 points, 18 of which came in the first half. His aggressive play was rewarded with 10 trips to the charity stripe, all of which he drained. He consistently attacked the paint on mismatches from the Bucks’ slow-footed and less athletic defenders.

He had six assists to one turnover and was the team’s best playmaker. He would penetrate the interior then kick out a pass to an open perimeter teammate, who would either shoot a good shot, pass it off to another player for a great looking shot or give it back to Lowry for an open 3.

Kawhi Leonard was visibly hobbled Tuesday night, and was able to get some rest in the final stretches of the game because of the team’s large lead. This was huge for the Raptors, who were able to extend their lead and carry some of the load for their superstar. Lowry had 12 of the team’s first 24 points, and his leadership and play elevated his teammates.

Leonard is the best talent on the roster, but Lowry is the vocal leader of the club. The team goes as far as he can take them on most nights. In this series, Lowry is averaging 20.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game on 52.3 percent shooting from the field and 48.2 percent from deep. Vintage Lowry was on full display Tuesday night, and his team needs him to continue his great play going into the pivotal Game 5.