It might be early, but a 3-0 record to start the NBA season was just what this team needed after losing in the first round of the playoffs last season. The offense is in full gear and newcomers DeMarre Carroll, Bismack Biyombo, and Cory Joseph are all making big contributions.
The Raptors jumped out to a quick lead with a 24-19 advantage after the first period. Toronto extended that lead to 55-41 at half and never looked in trouble, coming away with a solid all around performance in defeating the Bucks 106-87.
Center Jonas Valanciunas was the team’s leading scorer with 19 points as the big man hit seven of 12 shots from the floor and added eight rebounds. Patrick Patterson came off the bench to add 16 points. The starting back court of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan scored 15 points each as six players in total scored in double figures.
The three newbies combined for 21 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. All 13 players received some playing time and the bench combined for 36 points.
Milwaukee was led by small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with a game high 20 points and a team-high nine rebounds. The Bucks enter the 2015-16 NBA season as one of the best young teams in the league, but they haven’t jelled as of yet and dropped to 0-3 to begin the year.
Toronto hits the road with four games in the next week, including a tough test at Oklahoma City. With just four of its next 16 games at home, this will test the team and give the fans of the Raptors a good idea of just how good this squad could be this season.
