The Toronto Raptors were dominate across the board, taking down the Milwaukee Bucks 106-87. It was the second home game of the season and unlike in the opener this time there was no Halloween scare as the Raptors led throughout the night. The second quarter was where the Raps pulled away, scoring 31 points and giving up just 22. A bank shot by DeMar DeRozan with 1 second remaining ended the half and saw Toronto lead 55-41 at the break.
It was in the third that the Bucks put up some fight outscoring the Raptors by 4 (30-26). However, they would still have to overcome a 10 point deficit and the Raptors finished strong, outscoring the Bucks by 9 in the fourth and taking a 19 point win. Once again, the scoring distribution was fantastic. Jonas Valanciunas led the way with 19 points while DeMarre Carroll, DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson and Terrence Ross all scored in double figures. Defence was also the strongest it has been for the season, as the Raps slowed the Bucks to 87 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led with 20 points. Every single one of the Raptors who dressed for the game saw some form of game time.
This was the first meeting with former Raptors guard from last season Greivis Vasquez who finished with 9 points in 25 minutes of game time.
Offence: A+
Field goal shooting overall was a respectable 45%, 3PT% was again an amazing 44%, and 18 offensive rebounds meant again the boards were a dominant aspect. The scoring was brilliantly spread out, more so than in either of the previous games. There was no one dimensional play-calling and every one was able to get in on the act. Patterson showed starting potential with his 16 point game but it’ll be tough to take out Scola or Carroll who have been very effective this season thus far. Ross was again in good form – he scored 11 points, going 3-5 from beyond the arc.The Raptors were finding weapons left, right and centre tonight against a Bucks side that just had no answers.
Defence: A+
When a team wins by 19 points and only gives up 87 it is very difficult to hand out anything less. The Bucks were stagnant offensively and unlike the Raptors, were playing a lot through one man named Antetokounmpo. There was not a lot to like for Bucks fans watching, but from a Raptors perspective only giving up 7 offensive rebounds and so few second chance points allowed the scoring to blow out in the home team’s favour. Three games in and this was the best defensive performance of the season.
Rebounding: A+
The Raptors have looked dominant on the boards. Valanciunas grabbed 8 and Bismack Biyombo had a game high 10. In every game this season Toronto has been very strong on the boards and the team is well set up to continue in this fashion with good height all around. It seems from here that this is the identity being developed.
Side note: Dwane Casey coached the team to his 157th win in 315 overall games. This surpasses the previous record held by Sam Mitchell who coached the Raptors to the 2007 division title and is now with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Game Ball: Jonas Valanciunas
The big man has looked fantastic this season. He finished with 19 points and 8 boards, and was his usual efficient self. His post moves looked absolutely awesome out there, and this just may be the breakout season Raptors fans have been waiting for. Get excited.
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