Written by: Mateo Orrantia
Were the Raptors still hungover from Lowry’s team Halloween party? It definitely looked like it in the 1st quarter, as the Raptors seemed stuck in the mud, unable to hit open looks or contain the Bucks offence early on. Even Pascal Siakam, usually the team’s Energizer Bunny, was lethargic on offence and allowed Giannis to score at will on the other end. Lowry breathed life into the team in the 2nd quarter, and the Raptors were solid for the rest of the game, shrinking the once 26-point lead to as few as four as the game went on. However, the Raps went cold down the stretch (1-7 from 3 in the 4th), and were never able to fully close the gap. Although Toronot never led, there were some positives on the surface: Terence Davis looked like a real NBA rotation player, and OG continued his strong start to the season. The Bucks are an exceptional team and are the favourites to win the Eastern Conference, so this shouldn’t be a game to dwell on, but one to learn from. Back to Toronto to get ready for the Kings on Wednesday.
1st Star: Kyle Lowry
Kyle. Lowry. Over. Everything. What a throwback performance from Lowry. He reclaimed the role of primary scorer and shredded the Bucks every time he came down the floor. He got to the rim with ease and hit multiple of his trademark PU3IT threes, keeping the Raptors in the game single-handedly and giving them a chance to win late. This was the first time he’s scored 36 or more points since January of 2018 against the Timberwolves, and chances are he will be asked to shoulder this kind of offensive burden again this season if Pascal’s foul trouble keeps up. That being said, his minutes are something to watch as the season goes on: he played 38 minutes again tonight, and has now played 38 or more in all but one game this season. The last time he shouldered this heavy a minutes burden was in 2016-2017, when he was banged up entering the playoffs and the Raptors were swept by the Cavs in the East semis.
2nd Star: OG Anunoby
It was a tragedy that Nurse kept OG Anunoby glued to the bench for as long as he did late in the game. For long stretches of the first half, OG looked like the only competent teammate Lowry had. He was as effective as someone not named Kawhi Leonard can be guarding Giannis, and is one of the few players in the league with the combination of size and lateral quickness to stay in front of the Greek Freak. This is a key development to watch. It may be smart for Nurse to keep putting OG on the primary defensive assignment, because the Raptors’ offense can’t afford for Pascal to keep getting into foul trouble. Although he had a few frustrating fumbles on the offensive end, and a key turnover in the 4th that was the nail in the Raptors coffin, he made the right reads on offence and shot well (2-4 from distance).
3rd Star: Serge Ibaka
Ibaka was abysmal to start the game. He missed open looks, easy hook shots, and looked too small to match up against the Lopez twins. That being said, he rebounded in a big way in the second half and was instrumental in Toronto’s comeback attempt and contributed two massive blocks in the 4th quarter that kept the Bucks from pulling away. He’s still a formidable paint protector despite his age, and his four blocks were more than all of the other Raptors’ combined. He hit his free throws (5-6 from the line) and was able to stay out of foul trouble all night. Overall, it was a solid game for Ibaka.
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