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

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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Apr 2, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd reacts in the second quarter during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Style of play

Despite having exceedingly disparate groups of players, with contrasting dynamics, the Bucks and Raptors operate congruent offensive systems. They rank near each other in the bottom third of the league in pace, 3-point attempts, and 3-point makes.

If both sides play nearly-identical styles, you would assume something would have to give or the better team just won. Between their four meetings on the regular season, Toronto came away victorious in three.

Granted, the game Milwaukee won was with Khris Middleton back, wouldn’t it behoove the Bucks to throw a curveball and change their style of play? Their best bet might be to go up tempo, especially when Toronto puts out their traditional, two-big lineup.

Will either side go into the bag of tricks and make a deviation from their norm to gain a competitive edge? Coach Jason Kidd has shown himself to be unconventional with his idea of Giannis playing as a point-center, while Dwane Casey has been known to be more orthodox.

Next: NBA Playoffs 2017: Power ranking all 16 playff teams

The NBA is a heavy practicioner of Darwinism, and those teams unwilling to adapt quickly go extinct in the playoffs. We’ll see who makes adjustments the fastest and who gets sent home. My guess is that those won’t be the same team.

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