Brook Lopez inspires late Bucks rally to eclipse Raptors in opener
Brook Lopez scored 29 points as the Milwaukee Bucks staged a late rally to defeat the Toronto Raptors 108-100 in the opening game of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals clash yesterday morning (Singapore time).
Lopez helped spark a run of 10 unanswered points in the final three minutes, as the Bucks fought back from 100-98 down to claim a crucial victory in front of their home fans at the Fiserv Forum.
Two free-throws from Kawhi Leonard had nudged Toronto into a 100-98 lead, as the clock wound down on a pulsating opening instalment of the best-of-seven series.
But a Lopez dunk gave the Bucks a 101-100 lead and then a three-pointer from the towering 31-year-old took Milwaukee four points clear.
Two free-throws apiece from Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton completed the scoring as the Bucks pulled away to win.
"It was a complete team effort," said Lopez, who finished with 11 rebounds and two assists.
"We'd been playing with good energy the whole game, but shots weren't going down for us. So we knew we just had to keep grinding, which is what we've been doing all season long.
"We've learnt never to hang our heads, never give up, and we haven't all season. They hit us, but we stuck with it and stuck together as a team."
Lopez was backed by 24 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also hauled down 14 rebounds with six assists.
Middleton had 11 points with 11 rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon delivered a vital 15 points from the bench.
PRAISE
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer praised the overall contribution of the team, but singled out Lopez for special mention.
"Big game from Brook on both ends of the court," Budenholzer said. "In the first half, we were struggling, but Brook was able to manufacture a couple of things.
"And several times in the fourth quarter, he was out there making big-time plays - blocks, rebounds, contests. Certainly in a big moment, that was a great Brook Lopez tonight."
The Raptors, meanwhile, will take positives from the form of Leonard, who, once again, looked poised to single-handedly drag Toronto over the line.
Leonard finished with 31 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while point-guard Kyle Lowry was similarly impressive with 30 points and eight rebounds.
Pascal Siakam added 15 points, while Marc Gasol delivered another impressive defensive display with 12 rebounds and two blocks. - AFP
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now