(Toronto) Fred VanVleet was masterful scoring 29 points and the Raptors signed a gutsy victory on Thursday to win 97-93 over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Used for 39 minutes (like Scottie Barnes), VanVleet was five for 10 for three-pointers.
VanVleet was at the heart of several crucial streaks, including an incredible end to the game.
Pascal Siakam scored 20 points and Barnes 13.
Precious Achiuwa had a strong game, notably with six points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
In addition to stopping the NBA champions’ winning streak at eight, the Raptors (10-13) ended a three-game losing streak.
The Raptors could count on Gary Trent again, but the latter was discreet, with eight points.
Trent had missed two games with right calf trouble.
Trent is third in the NBA with two steals per game – his crop there Thursday, by the way.
Being a game and a half away from the 10e instead, the Toronto club are trying to recover from a 5-10 record in November.
OG Anunoby and Khem Birch were missing an eighth game in a row – with left hip and right knee injuries, respectively.
Anunoby has averaged 20.1 points per game this season.
The Raptors are at the heart of a seven-game home stay.
The next visitors will be the Wizards (Sunday), the Thunder, the Knicks and the Kings.
Jrue Holiday led the Bucks with 26 points, four more than Khris Middleton.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was not playing, his right calf bored.
Brook Lopez had back surgery on Thursday which will keep him on the sidelines for an indefinite period.
The center has played just one game this season – the Bucks’ very first on Oct. 19, against the Nets.
The 33-year-old veteran is in his fourth season with Milwaukee and his 14e in total.
Last season, Lopez averaged 12.3 points, five rebounds and a block and a half per game.
He helped the Bucks win a first NBA Championship since 1971.