Raptors Punch Ticket To NBA Finals For First Time In Franchise History
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bucks, 100-94, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening, in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, to take a 4-2 series win and stamp their ticked to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
With their season on the line the Bucks got out to a great start on the road, as they took a 31-18 lead after one quarter. The Raptors pushed back in the second but only managed to cut the deficit to seven by halftime. The Bucks held strong to start the third and reclaimed control with a 15-point lead with two minutes left in the quarter. However, the Raptors went on a 22-2 run to take an 83-79 lead by the eight-minute mark in the fourth. Despite leading for most of the game, the Bucks had no answer in the fourth, as they were outscored by 11 in the quarter. The Raptors closed the game with lockdown defense and clutch shooting, and ultimately climbed from a 15-point deficit to notch their fourth straight win of the series and earn themselves a franchise-first trip to the NBA Finals.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 27 points, 17 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Kyle Lowry tallied 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, while Pascal Siakam added 18 points, four rebounds, a steal and an assist. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals, in 40 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and an assist, while Khris Middleton chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 40 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from deep.
The Raptors will begin the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Toronto on Thursday.
With their season on the line the Bucks got out to a great start on the road, as they took a 31-18 lead after one quarter. The Raptors pushed back in the second but only managed to cut the deficit to seven by halftime. The Bucks held strong to start the third and reclaimed control with a 15-point lead with two minutes left in the quarter. However, the Raptors went on a 22-2 run to take an 83-79 lead by the eight-minute mark in the fourth. Despite leading for most of the game, the Bucks had no answer in the fourth, as they were outscored by 11 in the quarter. The Raptors closed the game with lockdown defense and clutch shooting, and ultimately climbed from a 15-point deficit to notch their fourth straight win of the series and earn themselves a franchise-first trip to the NBA Finals.
Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors with 27 points, 17 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 41 minutes. Kyle Lowry tallied 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, while Pascal Siakam added 18 points, four rebounds, a steal and an assist. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals, in 40 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 18 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and an assist, while Khris Middleton chipped in 14 points and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 40 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from deep.
The Raptors will begin the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors in Toronto on Thursday.