In the first NBA Cup action of the year, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Toronto Raptors 99-85.

NBA.com Box Score

With Damian Lillard sidelined due to concussion protocol, Milwaukee trotted out a unique starting lineup that consisted of AJ Green and Ryan Rollins. Despite the unfamiliarity among the starting five, the Bucks still got off to a strong start. However, the young-flying Raptors hung around and cut the deficit to 26-21 entering the second quarter.

The three-point difference between the two teams proved to be quite telling between the two teams as the second quarter progressed. At the break, the Bucks had made 31 three-point attempts, compared to Toronto’s six. Still, Milwaukee’s lead wasn’t as big as you might have expected, with the score standing at 54-43 at halftime.

In what has become an unfortunate tradition for the Bucks to kick off the year, they laid an absolute egg to start the second half, with Toronto getting right back to business. However, Milwaukee recovered by securing another double-digit advantage through the defense led by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Heading into the final quarter, a buzzer-beater from Bobby Portis gave the Bucks an 81-67 lead.

From that point on, the Bucks’ lead was never in danger of being erased. They did a great job of stopping Toronto and putting the finishing touches on a much-needed win. When the buzzer sounded, Milwaukee earned a 99-85 victory.

Statistic that stood out

What about Ryan Rollins? He has been climbing up the rankings lately and with Damian Lillard sidelined in this one, Doc Rivers decided to throw him in at the deep end by putting him in the starting lineup. He wasn’t perfect, but he showed a variety of skills, including some nice shots from deep. Despite retiring late in the third quarter with left shoulder instability, his presence was felt here, finishing with 12 shots – all coming from the three-point ball. It will be interesting to see how his usage progresses.

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