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NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Raptors vs. Bucks matchup

By Paul Centopani

Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Raptors 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Bucks beat the Raptors 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are five keys to the matchup between the Toronto Raptors and the Milwaukee Bucks.

This matchup deploys two teams better known for postseason shortcomings rather than triumphs. The good news is somebody has to win here and advance. The bad, however, is the other team perpetuating a losing stigma.

Since breaking into the league in 1995, Toronto’s never made a trip to the finals. Its best run came last season, falling in the Eastern Conference Finals to the Cavaliers in six games. Milwaukee hasn’t showered in championship glory since 1970-71, back when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went by Lew Alcindor. The last playoff series they won was during the 2000-01 season, with a team featuring Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson – whose son is now in the league.

Needless to say, it’s been a while since either team had something to celebrate. This year, both franchises are trotting out their best iterations of the decade. Toronto has the fourth-highest net rating in the league, while Milwaukee is eleventh, per NBA.com.

However, these teams exist at vastly different points on the development arc.

Another early jettison from the postseason will face Toronto with the dilemma of plateaued impasse. Is simply being a “good team” worth it? With Kyle Lowry already on the wrong side of 30 and impending free agents, the front office will have to question the ceiling of its current construct and figure out a plan moving forward.

Milwaukee on the other hand, is an up-and-coming squad with a young, transcendent piece already laid into their foundation. All experience they gain under the hot lights of the playoffs will be valuable reps. Pulling an upset would just be gravy.

This opening series, in particular, should pose excitement, with a quintet of key factors determining its outcome. The first of which being one of the most exciting players in an exciting generation of talent.

5. Two words: Greek Freak

Giannis is what it looks like when an older brother plays in a game with a younger brother and all his friends on a Little Tikes hoop. He’s like if a 6-foot-11 Stretch Armstrong action figure came to life and was supercharged with Zeus’ lightning bolts.

This season, he became the fifth player in NBA history to lead his team in the five major stat categories. If you’re wondering, the previous four were Dave Cowens (1977-78), Scottie Pippen (1994-95), Kevin Garnett (2002-03) and LeBron James (2008-09).

Giannis also became the very first ever to finish in the top 20 across the league in all five of those stats. Oh, and by the way, he’s just 22-years old. Once he gains consistency to his jumper, he’s basically a video game avatar with the cheat codes on.

The Raptors are one of the more well-rounded teams in the league, with balance and solidarity spanning their roster. While that’s great and all, the league has never seen a guy quite like Giannis Antetokounmpo. He will either be too big, nimble, fast or talented for whatever combination of players the Raptors decide to guard him with.

If he can build on his historic season by ascending his game and taking over the series, the Bucks can absolutely move on to the second round. Basketball is so beautiful because it’s a game about matchups. Sometimes though, winning simply comes down to who has the best player on the hardwood.

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