Bucks Stun Raptors In Game 1

The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 97-83, in Game 1 of the
Eastern Conference first round playoffs, at Air Canada Center on Saturday
evening. The Bucks wasted no time, as they came out strong with a 30-22 first
quarter. The Raptors answered by outscoring the Bucks 29-16 in the second
quarter, to take a 51-46 lead into halftime. The second half started out the
same way the first half did, with a strong third quarter from the Bucks, however
the Raptors were not able to produce the counter punch, and were outscored 51-32
over the third and fourth quarters. The young Bucks team stole Game 1 from the
third-place Raptors, instantly putting a big question mark on the series. It is
not panic time yet though for Toronto, as the Raptors have now dropped Game 1 in
the first round of the playoffs nine times in a row, dating back to 2002.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for Milwaukee with 28 points, eight rebounds,
three assists, two steals and one block, in 38 minutes. The rookie, Malcolm
Brogdon came up huge for the Bucks with 16 points, six rebounds and two assists,
in 34 minutes. Greg Monroe provided a big boost off the bench, with 14 points
and a huge 15 rebounds, in 26 minutes. Meanwhile, the Raptors were slowed by the
Bucks’ solid defense, shooting only 36.0 percent from the field, including 21.7
percent from long range. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 27 points on 7-of-21
shooting, and eight rebounds, in 39 minutes, while Serge Ibaka followed up with
19 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, in 36 minutes. Kyle Lowry struggled,
shooting only 2-of-11 from the field, including 0-of-6 from downtown, on his way
to four points, six assists and two rebounds, in 34 minutes.