It turns out having a difference maker really makes a difference. (michaelgrange)
MILWAUKEE – These chances don’t come around often. For just the second time in 24 years the
It was one of the most balanced performances Leonard has had in what has been an almost exclusively brilliant post-season run. And while it’s become almost a cliché to talk about how big various playoff games are for the Raptors — they do seem to play in a lot of them — it would be hard to argue Game 5 didn’t represent the biggest opportunity the Raptors have had as a franchise. Win and they head home to Scotiabank Arena with a chance to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals for first time ever. Lose? They head home for a must-win Game 6 and the knowledge they have to win a Game 7 in Milwaukee Monday.
"I mean, you look at, we’re getting guys free because of the double teams that he’s drawing, Pascal’s drawing, and just in general with Lopez protecting the rim when anyone drives, etc., there’s open guys," said Nurse. "We’re obviously considering that if they stay home and guard man on man, what are we going to do? But I don’t think Kahwi’s in a position where if you don’t double team him, he’s not going to make baskets. I think he’s fine.
The Bucks led by as much as 18-4 and the recipe for a blowout was at hand: live building, home team with momentum, Raptors’ shots not falling, Bucks getting contributions from their role players. Milwaukee led 32-22 at the end of the first quarter and it felt like the Bucks should have been leading by more.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raptors' Kawhi Leonard named to NBA All-Defensive Second Team - Sportsnet.caToronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, the league announced on Wednesday.
Read more »
Raptors' Kawhi Leonard voted to All-NBA second team - Sportsnet.caToronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard is among the 15 players selected to the NBA's three All-NBA teams.
Read more »
Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard earns all-defensive team spotLeonard, who has now made the all-defensive team five times, is the first player in Raptors history to receive the honour
Read more »
Raptors' Kawhi Leonard downplays injury after favouring leg during Game 3 - Sportsnet.caKawhi Leonard said he's 'good' and ready to keep battling after appearing to favour his leg during a gritty 52-minute effort during the Raptors' double-overtime Game 3 win.
Read more »
Kenny Smith in studio talks Kawhi Leonard & Raptors vs. Bucks - Sportsnet.caKenny Smith joined Tim and Sid in studio to talk about Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and the Raptors’ chances against the Bucks in the Eastern Conference final.
Read more »
Raptors bail out weary Kawhi Leonard with complete Game 4 win - Sportsnet.caKawhi Leonard was a decoy in Game 4. And yet the Raptors survived and now head to Milwaukee tied 2-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard scores 36 as Toronto Raptors outlast Milwaukee Bucks in double overtime - TSN.caKawhi Leonard scored 36 points to lift the Raptors to a 118-112 thrilling double-overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, throwing Toronto a lifeline in the Eastern Conference finals.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard named to NBA All-Defensive second team - TSN.caToronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard has been named to the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team. It's Leonard's fifth NBA All-Defensive Team (three First Teams, two Second Teams) and the first time a member of the Raptors has made an All-Defensive Team.
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard named to all-NBA second team; Three Canadian women’s basketball team members retiringIt marks Leonard’s third selection to an all-NBA team; Guard Nirra Fields of Lachine, Que., and Edmonton twin sisters Katherine and Michelle Plouffe announced their decisions on Thursday
Read more »
Kawhi Leonard posterizes Giannis Antetokounmpo with one-handed slam - Sportsnet.caWatch as Kawhi Leonard posterizes Giannis Antetokounmpo with a one-handed slam in Game 4.
Read more »
Williams: 'Kawhi Leonard is a cyborg'ESPN's Jay Williams praises Kawhi Leonard's all-around dominant performance in Game 3 while battling an apparent leg injury, and the Get Up! crew debates whether the Raptors are putting too much on Kawhi.
Read more »