Raptors throttle the Bucks, 124-83; Improve to 10-2, continue to hold 1st place in Eastern Conference

After what Raptors fans are calling a ‘grown up’ 96-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, including another ‘We the Fourth’ quarter comeback, Toronto was ready for the last their 7th consecutive home games as they would host the Milwaukee Bucks. This would mark the end of the Raptors’ longest homestand in franchise history.

The Raptors didn’t waste any time and took it to Milwaukee from the opening tip. Leading 37-27 after the 1st quarter, and didn’t look back. The Raptors only trailed once in the first quarter, and from there built an insurmountable lead over the Bucks. The Raptors didn’t trail at any other point in the game, cruising to a 124-83 victory. With the win, the Raptors have improved to 10-2 on the season, leading the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

Raptors center, Jonas Valanciunas, had his best game of the season, posting 18 points (6/7 shooting, and 6/6 from the line) and 12 rebounds. Lou Williams led the Raptors in scoring on the evening, scoring 22 points, including 5/7 from 3 point range! Bucks’ rookie and a likely future NBA superstar, Jabari Parker, led the way for the Bucks with 15 points and 6 rebounds.

Raptors rookies and Brazilian natives, Bruno Caboclo & Lucas ‘Bebe’ Nogueira made their regular season professional debuts in the 4th quarter. The crowd went crazy, anticipating Bruno’s entry into the game admist the blowout, chanting ‘Bruno, Bruno!’ and ‘We want Bruno’ instead of ‘Defense, Defense’. Raptors head coach Dwane Casey gave the fans what they wanted and got the young men into the game.

By The Numbers:

• At 116-64 in the 4th quarter with 5:46 remaining, the Toronto Raptors held a 52 point lead over Milwaukee. Their largest lead in franchise history!
• Toronto out-rebounded Milwaukee 57-30.
• Toronto shot 52% from the field overall and 60% from 3 point range (15 of 25).
• All 13 Toronto Raptors, who dressed, scored in the game.
• Toronto had 30 second chance points (11/13), compared to 8 by Milwaukee (3/8).
• Toronto kept the pressure on from opening tip, scoring 30 or more points in the first 3 quarters.
• Milwaukee was actually better than Toronto in the following categories, but had no impact on the outcome: committed less turnovers (12 vs. 16), had more steals (11 vs. 8), committed less fouls (18 vs. 24).
• Toronto has won 3 straight games, 8 of their last 10, and are now 8-1 at home on the season.

The reaction from Raptors fans on social media was best summed up with this. I sent @Marsh2Fergs a response and told him it was the Tweet of The Night:

Dear Jason Kidd, That was for game 7. Signed, #WeTheNorth

— Marshall Ferguson (@Marsh2Fergs) November 22, 2014

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Postgame Reactions:

Lucas Nogueira

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3_AZcFYoWQ?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]

Bruno Caboclo

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yzDozJqjS8?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]

Kyle Lowry

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1RPZE-7aRA?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]

Dwane Casey

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdT4MIPUOow?list=UUYBFE432C2AmNRDGEXE4uVg]

(Photo Credit: Ron Turenne/NBAE/Getty Images)