NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from Toronto beating Milwaukee

Apr 22, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Beasley (9) defends Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 4, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

4. DeMar DeRozan did it all

He certainly has his detractors since his game isn’t tailored for an era that emphasizes the importance of shooting 3’s. But DeMar DeRozan simply gets buckets. I already referred to him as the Renaissance to the mid-range jumper, and his prowess was full bore in the opening round.

The Bucks built their team on a bedrock of pterodactyl wingspans and pan-switchability. DeRozan saw the forest of limbs in front of him and continuously sliced his way to the basket, finishing above, around, and through would-be defenders.

Watching DeRozan play is like popping in a videotape of 90’s game footage. He’s just a bounty of 16-footers and attempts at the rim. It’s almost like he’s purposely defying today’s long-range homogeny, or Phil Jackson was his mentor. It’s a far cry from how most of the league plays now, but everybody loves a throwback.

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