Bucks Extend Lead Over Celtics and Sixers in Eastern Conference With Comeback Win Over Raptors

Bucks Extend Lead Over Celtics and Sixers in Eastern Conference With Comeback Win Over Raptors

Joel Reyes
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
  • The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Toronto Raptors in a critical Eastern Conference clash
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez starred in the Bucks’ win over the Raptors
  • Lopez’s blazing late period in the fourth quarter swung momentum Milwaukee’s favor

The Milwaukee Bucks returned to winning ways on Sunday, defeating the Toronto Raptors 118-111.

Five players scored in double figures for the Bucks, who improved their record to 51-20 this season.

They extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings to 2.5 games.

Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks is congratulated by teammates after scoring during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on March 19, 2023. Image: John Fisher.
Source: Getty Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a fantastic all-around performance, registering a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, per ESPN.

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It was the Greek star’s 33rd career triple-double. He was perfect from the floor, making all nine field goal attempts.

Lopez takes over late

It was Brook Lopez though, who led the Bucks’ uprising in the fourth quarter. He scored 17 of his 26 points in the final period, helping turn a six-point deficit into a seven-point victory.

He went on a solo 8-0 run to start the fourth to give Milwaukee a 97-95 lead. The Bucks extended that advantage to 104-97 as they went on a 15-2 blast.

The Raptors staged a late rally, cutting the Bucks’ lead to three points. Lopez answered right back with an underneath basket to seal the win for Milwaukee.

Lopez also had five rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 32 minutes of action. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday were the other starters who scored in double digits, chipping in 20 and 11 points respectively.

Raptors' winning streak ends

It was a heartbreaking defeat for the Raptors, who carried a 95-89 lead entering the fourth quarter. However, they failed to close out the Bucks as their three-game winning streak ended.

Fred VanVleet led all Raptors scorers with 23 points. O.G. Anunoby and Jakob Poeltl also contributed, dropping 22 and 20 points respectively.

Bucks clinch playoff spot

Sports Brief recently reported on the Bucks' win over the Suns.

Milwaukee pulled away late in the fourth to seal the 116-104 win.

The Bucks managed to clinch a playoff spot with this victory.

Authors
Joel Reyes photo
Joel Reyes
Joel Reyes is a sports editor at Sportsbrief.com with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines. He has eight years of work experience in sports writing.
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