By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks turned a bad situation into a positive outcome for the 1-0 lead over the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven series final. They grabbed a 108-100 win on Wednesday at the Fiserv Forum.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the series opener with 24 points, 14 boards, six dimes, three rejections and a couple of steals in 37 minutes. However, Brook Lopez notched a team-high 29 points reaching his postseason-high with 13 points during the decisive fourth quarter.
The Bucks trailed for 37 minutes, but nailed the fourth period with a 32-17 advantage including a game-ending 10-0 run. Apart from the Greek Freak, European Nikola Mirotic helped out with 13 points, six rebounds and one block. Ersan Ilyasova ended up with seven points, three boards and one rejection. Injured Pau Gasol remained out.
The Raptors missed their last eight Game 1 shots. Kawhi Leonard dropped 31 points and Kyle Lowry 30, but weren’t enough. Marc Gasol had six points, 12 rebounds, five helpers and two blocks, Serge Ibaka finished with four points, four boards, one dime, one steal and one rejection and OG Anunoby remained sidelined.
Game 2 will be played on Friday on Milwaukee. The series will then move to Canada for Game 3 and Game 4.
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