The top two teams in the NBA Eastern Conference were tied at two games apiece and the winner of Game 5 would be one game away from the finals. In the first two games, the Milwaukee Bucks flexed their muscle and earned the first two wins. But the Toronto Raptors came back and exposed some flaws in Games 3 and 4 to even the series. In the end, the Raptors defeated the Bucks 105-99 in Game 5.
The Bucks came out aggressively on both ends and jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. One of the biggest problems for them during this early run was knocking down long range jumpers. Instead of continuing to be forceful when Toronto made their run to get back into the game, the Bucks began to shoot a plethora of three-pointers and it ended up hurting them.
The Raptors have defended Bucks forward Giannis Antetokoumpo better than any other team in the playoffs. He shot 6-14 (43%) in the paint during the game and has consistently been defended by two or three defenders.
Raptors guard Fred VanVleet had the breakout game that head coach Nick Nurse was looking for. The third-year veteran knocked down seven threes and finished with 21 points. Throughout the season he’s been a reliable scoring threat for the Raptors off the bench but has had a disappointing playoff run. VanVleet has remained persistent, however, and scored in the double-digits in the last two games.
Toronto forward Kawhi Leonard put his full arsenal on display last night. The three-time All-Star finished with 35 points, seven rebounds and a career-high nine assists.
In the first half he was more of a facilitator, getting open shots for others and showing his improved playmaking ability. When the second half came around and the game was within striking distance, Leonard began to take over on both sides of the ball and he carried this team to victory in the fourth quarter.
This Raptors team is one win away from reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in NBA history. The Milwaukee Bucks have lost three straight games for the first time since last season.
Game 6 takes place Saturday, May 25, at 8:30 p.m. EST.