The Toronto Raptors had a golden opportunity to defeat one of the best teams in the league but missed their shot.
Without the services of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks still triumphed 130-122 at the Fiserv Forum on Tuesday.
Bored with a knee injury, the “Greek Freek,” author of 31 points and 11.9 rebounds per game since the start of the season, had to skip the meeting. That didn’t stop the Bucks from amassing at least 130 points for a second straight game.
Thanks to a frantic first and third quarter, the hosts defeated Canada’s only team on the Silver Tour, who looked tired after a grueling overtime win over the New York Knicks. Jrue Holiday was unstoppable in today’s duel and scored 37 points and seven assists.
Grayson Allen also contributed, adding 25 points to the board, while Bobby Portis hit a double-double with 12 points and as many rebounds.
On the losing side, Fred VanVleet proved he was back at his best with his third 39-point game of the season. Gary Trent Sohn (28 points), Pascal Siakam (23 points) and Scottie Barnes (14 points, 13 rebounds) also responded.
For the fourth time this season, Quebec’s Chris Boucher has been left off the goalscoring chart. He was still picking up five rebounds in 14 minutes on the floor.
The Raptors (20-24) are yet to catch up in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They will try to get back to their good habits on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.