(Milwaukee) Pascal Siakam shone with 33 points and the Toronto Raptors drew on their resources for a fourth straight win on Wednesday, winning 117-111 over the Milwaukee Bucks.
The reigning champions were playing without Giannis Antetokounpo and for a while it was believed their depth would guide them to victory.
After a great start from the visitors, the Bucks led 41-35 after a quarter, then 77-68 at the half.
But Toronto (18-17) was very solid thereafter, moving towards a fifth win in seven games.
The Raptors had not shown a positive record since November 11 (7-6).
OG Anunoby and Gary Trent collected 22 points each, while Fred VanVleet added 19 points.
The Raptors excelled at long distances (16 for 36), with five three-pointers for VanVleet and three for Trent, among others.
In addition to his offensive brilliance, Siakam had three steals and one block. He also led his team with six assists.
The Raptors led 19-9, then the score increased to 27-27.
In the second quarter, DeMarcus Cousins hit home with a three-point shot, giving the Bucks a 50-40 lead.
However, Milwaukee had to settle for 11 points in the third quarter, where a Justin Champagnie dunk put the Raptors in charge 92-88, to close the opening.
Once the score was 94-94, the Raptors roared. The wind started to turn with a three-point shot from Precious Achiuwa, more used to the edge of the basket.
Chris Boucher took an offensive foul from Khris Middleton, Trent took a three-point shot and Siakam added a three-point play.
A robbery from Siakam led to a dunk for Achiuwa. Siakam accommodated the ball safely with his fingertips, then Trent had another three-point shot.
After this flurry, the score favored Toronto 110-96, with 7:06 on the clock.
A late game was a technical foul awarded to Middleton. Trent converted the free throw and the Raptors led 114-106 with one minute remaining.
Toronto was playing without reservists Yuta Watanabe and Svi Mykhailiuk, in connection with the protocol.
The Raptors will now prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Friday. This will be the start of a three-game stay at home.
The NBA’s most valuable player in 2019 and 2020, the “Greek Freak” was on the sidelines because he was inconvenienced, but it is not related to COVID-19.
PHOTO AARON GASH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34)
The Bucks were also without head coach Mike Budenholzer, in particular. Deputy Darvin Ham took over.
Budenholzer, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton and George Hill were on the sidelines in connection with NBA protocol regarding COVID-19.
Antetokounmpo was sidelined from December 14 to 24 in connection with protocol, missing five games.
On Wednesday, Middleton led the Bucks with 25 points, backed by 17 points from Jordan Nwora. Holiday and Cousins took in 15 each.