Game 5 Preview: Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks

After their abysmal performance last game, Game 4 was exactly what the Toronto Raptors needed. With an 87-76 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Raptors took back home court advantage and gave themselves a much needed boost of confidence. The playoffs are all about adjustments, and Dwane Casey definitely made some big ones that got the Raptors right back in this series.

Benching Jonas Valanciunas was a move that paid off. Although Valanciunas has an advantage over Thon Maker on the offensive end, he struggles defensively with Maker’s quickness and athleticism. Serge Ibaka excelled at center, and his strong defensive first half was a big reason the Raptors stayed in the game. Valanciunas was able to come off the bench against Greg Monroe, who plays more like a prototypical big man. The Raptors finally looked to establish him at times and he finished with 12 points and five rebounds and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the field. If the Raptors want to take control of the series in Game 5, this lineup change should probably remain permanent.

Replacing Valanciunas in the starting lineup was Norman Powell, the Raptors’ unsung hero of last year’s first round matchup against the Indiana Pacers. Powell had played sparingly up to this point but he deserved a chance to make a difference, and he sure did that. For a Raptors team that has struggled to hit their open three-point shots, Powell hit all three of his attempts and kept the Bucks defense on their heels by staying aggressive. His biggest contribution, however, was his defense on Khris Middleton. Middleton has torched the Raptors all series long, but Powell did an excellent job staying attached to him and making every shot difficult. Middleton finished with only 10 points on 30.8 percent shooting and he missed all of his three-point attempts. Powell should stay in the starting lineup, and he’s definitely proved worthy of big minutes to help swing this series in Toronto’s favor.

A smaller but effective move that also paid off was Casey’s decision to play Delon Wright more than Cory Joseph. Just like the past few games, Wright may not have set the stat sheet on fire, but he was a big positive on the court. He kept the ball moving on offense and played aggressive defensively. He is a long and tall guard that can give Milwaukee problems the same way the Bucks length has plagued the Raptors. More Wright is in order for Game 5.

The biggest turnaround for the Raptors, however, was their stars finally showing up at the same time. DeMar DeRozan carried the Raptors in the first half, and when he needed someone else to step up in the second half, Kyle Lowry answered the call. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which role players step up for the Raptors; they aren’t going anywhere if they don’t get maximum level play from their star backcourt. For them to win Game 5, and ultimately the series, this is what the Raptors need from Lowry and DeRozan.

The Bucks, on the other hand, have their work cut out for them if they want to steal another game on the Raptors’ home court. They had the opportunity to really deal a devastating blow to the Raptors. But as the game went on, they looked more like the inexperienced team they are.

Giannis Antetokounmpo came out with the energy and intensity needed, but as the game went on, he got frustrated with P.J. Tucker’s defense. By the fourth quarter, he was forcing up shots and looking the most rattled he’s been all series. He needs to settle down and go back to being the aggressive and calm player he was throughout the first three games. He’s going to be the focal point of the Raptors defense. His game will come to him if he stays patient. He needs to be the best player on the floor for the Bucks to take Game 5 and advance to the next round.

Tony Snell had his best game of the series, but unfortunately, it coincided with Middleton’s worst. Like Antetokounmpo, Middleton was flustered by the Raptors defense and he forced up poor shots all game long. The Raptors did a good job taking away the open shots he’s been getting off screens and he didn’t adjust. Prior to Game 4, he’s done well doing other things outside scoring, such as moving the ball and making the right play. For Game 5, instead of bailing out the Raptors’ defense by taking tough contested shots, he’s got to go back to making the smart play and letting his offense come to him.

Just like in Game 2, the Bucks bench had another disappearing act aside from Greg Monroe. Again, they’re not better than the Raptors bench, but they can’t afford to have no-shows like this.

While Michael Beasley had a great impact in Game 3, Jason Kidd left him in a little too long this time and he made several poor decisions offensively, driving into the lane and throwing up wild shots. Playing Beasley is a gamble to begin with. The Bucks have received nothing from Mirza Teletovic and Spencer Hawes. John Henson is an option as he is a high motor big man like Maker, but he hasn’t played since Mar. 21. He also doesn’t space the floor the way the other bigs can. The Bucks need a big off the bench who can draw the Raptors defenders out of the paint and who won’t clog up space inside with Monroe. Beasley is probably the best option at this point, but Kidd should have a much shorter leash with him when he starts to force things.

Kidd has given Jason Terry more minutes both games in Milwaukee, and he hasn’t looked that bad. If Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova are going to be inconsistent, Terry could be the answer. He’s a veteran guy and a better shooter than both of them. In any case, the Bucks need much more consistent point guard play if they want to win Game 5 and this series.

Prediction  

This is has been a highly entertaining series so far. It’s been tough to predict. The Raptors looked like they might have turned the corner after Game 2, but then laid an egg in Game 3. The Bucks had all the momentum after Game 3, then gave it all away. That’s the playoffs, though. And in the end, experience usually wins out. The Bucks certainly have the Raptors’ attention now, or at least they should. After that confidence booster that was Game 4, the Raptors draw on their home crowd and take a 3-2 series lead.