The Bucks hadn’t had a three-game losing streak this season before the Raptors roared back from a 2-0 hole this week. With a 76-61 lead with 2:18 remaining in the third quarter, it looked like they wouldn’t have a four-gamer. The Raptors, though, went on a 17-2 run over the next four and a half minutes of game time, and would never trail again over the last nine minutes. Toronto beat Milwaukee 100-94 to clinch a 4-2 series win and a berth against the Warriors in the NBA Finals.
Toronto-Golden State begins next Thursday, May 30. It’s the Raptors’ first Finals ever.
The team made it behind Kawhi Leonard, who is making a case as the best player on the planet. Leonard, clearly playing through a leg injury, had 27 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists. After making one iconic play to eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers last round, he punctuated this game with another, throwing down one of the best dunks you’ll ever see in a playoff game.
The Bucks had the NBA’s best record in the regular season at 60-22, and through two and a half rounds looked like the best team in the league. Then Raptors, Leonard, and coach Nick Nurse figured out how to defend Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks had no adjustments left to make.
It didn’t help that Antetokounmpo was 18-24 from the free throw line in the two wins, and 17-36 in the four losses.
The Raptors did beat the Warriors both times the teams played this season, and Golden State is expected to start the series without Kevin Durant. The Warriors will be going for their third straight NBA title and their fourth in five years, but the Raptors will have home court advantage.
