LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida – Chris Boucher had a career-high 25 points and 11 rebounds to help the Toronto Raptors defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-106 on Monday.
Although the meeting saw the top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings, both teams lacked key players.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, missed the game after undergoing oral surgery. Bucks manager Mike Budehnolzer said Monday that he is unsure whether Antetokounmpo will play in the team’s last two seeded games on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards and Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
For Toronto, Kyle Lowry sat with a sore back, Serge Ibaka missed the game with a bruised right knee, and Fred VanVleet was out with a hyperextended right knee.
Boucher made the most of it.
“We knew some guys were going out, so obviously there was an opportunity,” he said. “All year, that’s what I’ve been doing. Whenever I get a chance to play 20, 25 minutes – everyone on this team is doing the same thing. Just be ready and when the opportunity presents itself – to play hard and show what you are capable of. “
The Bucks had already taken the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season, and reigning NBA champion Toronto was stuck at number 2, so there was little to be gained for either team.
Novice Matt Thomas scored 22 points. Raptors coach Nick Nurse said he was happy to see Boucher and Thomas and come forward. Boucher averages 6.1 points per game and Thomas 4.3.
“The other kids want to play more than they are playing, and it’s hard to find space for them sometimes,” Nurse said. “It’s just a numbers game. I believe in both.”
Norman Powell added 21 points for the Raptors, who improved to 5-1 in the second half.
Kyle Korver scored 19 points and Khris Middleton added 17 for the Bucks, who dropped to 2-4 since the restart.
“The most worrying thing is to continue not (having) the effort and defensive execution, not being who we are, being as good and committed as we are on that part of the pitch,” said Bucks manager Mike Budenholzer.
TIP-INS
Bucks: Toronto’s Paul Watson nudged Korver on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter. It was called Flagrant 1 and Korver found himself with a small cut on his face. Korver stayed in the game, hit the free throws, then hit a triple three seconds later. … Eric Bledsoe had 11 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Raptors: Pascal Siakam scored 14 out of 5 points for 16 shots. … Marc Gasol went to zero in 20 minutes. … Forced 19 turnovers.
LESS DRIP
A small amount of water dripped onto the floor near the center court before the match began. An NBA spokesperson said condensation could be the problem. The game started on time and the gameplay was not affected.
BUCKS BUMPS AND BRUISES
Pat Connaughton of Milwaukee had a bad fall and hit the back of his head on the floor. Budenholzer said he was fine, but the team will check him out. Budenholzer also said that Wesley Matthews had a problem with his quadriceps / groin areas and that his minutes were limited for precautionary reasons.
NEXT
Bucks: Play with the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
Raptors: Play with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
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