Raptors respond again
DeRozan scores 33 points, lifts Toronto over Milwaukee 87-76 to even best-of-7 series at 2-2
MILWAUKEE (CP) — In the two days between an unfathomable loss and a decisive victory, DeMar DeRozan was the picture of calm.
After going without a field goal in Game 3, the Raptors’ leading scorer simply vowed to be better, and Kyle Lowry & Co. never doubted him.
On Saturday, DeRozan made good on his promise, scoring 33 points to lift the Raptors to an 87-76 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks to send the best-of-seven series back to Toronto all tied up at two wins apiece.
In the moments after the defensive slug-fest, DeRozan talked about how he and Lowry have become better at “collecting our thoughts.”
“Try not to go crazy in two days of waiting,” said DeRozan. “Just being patient and being mature with the process and trying to keep him (Lowry) calm. It’s still a challenge, but we figure it out.”
DeRozan shot 12 of 22 and hit all nine free throws. Lowry added 18 points while Norman Powell and Jonas Valanciunas had 12 apiece, and Serge Ibaka finished with 10.
Tony Snell had 19 points to top Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 14 points and nine boards.
Seated side by side at the post-game press conference, Lowry credited DeRozan for helping him get past their humiliating 104-77 loss two nights earlier.
“My guy is always going to keep me calm. He is an unbelievable friend . . . . I always think about what should have happened or what could have happened. Sometimes it gets to me. He is always the guy who says everything happens for a reason.
“We have been through some bad games, and he is always that guy who stays on that same level and you appreciate that.”
DeRozan made history in Game 3, becoming the first 25-point scorer in history to go 0-for-3 or worse in a playoff game in the same season.
“I keep a level head and I understand bad things are going to come, and I accept it, just like I accept the great times,” DeRozan said of his bounce-back ability. “I knew lightning don’t strike twice in the same place.”
“You know that’s not true,” Lowry snorted. “It’s not a factual fact.” “But it sounds good,” DeRozan said, with a grin. DeRozan, Lowry and Powell set an aggressive pace that saw the Raptors play with more poise than at any moment during Game 3. After digging themselves a 31-point deficit in Game 3, coach Dwane Casey went small and athletic, inserting Powell into the starting lineup for Valanciunas and moving Ibaka to centre.
“I’ve always said we play better with our backs against the wall,” Casey said. “It’s a tough way to live, but I love our team’s resilient personality. I wish we wouldn’t have a stinker before we play that way, but if we can consistently get everybody at their level, their potential level, I think we’ll be in good shape.”
Game 5 goes Monday in Toronto at 4 p.m. PT.