The Toronto Raptors currently lead the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals 3-2. Toronto has won the last three games in this series and they will look to close it out at home on Saturday night at Nova Scotiabank Arena.
There is still optimism for Milwaukee to win this series. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the best player in the NBA several times during the regular season and because of it, he will most likely win the MVP award. Antetokounmpo is not the reason why the Bucks are trailing 3-2 in this series.
One of the reasons why they trail in this series is because they have not figured out the Raptors pack line defense and Khris Middleton has disappeared from scoring the basketball and he was by far there second best player during the regular season. Malcolm Brogdon has stepped up big time in this series.
One of the reasons why they could come back from a 3-2 deficit is because Milwaukee had the best record in the NBA during the regular season. Toronto has them on the ropes right now.
The Golden State Warriors will be well rested heading into the NBA Finals after sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference Finals. Golden State will be on the road to start the series no matter who wins the other series.
Could the Toronto Raptors or the Milwaukee Bucks defeat them in the NBA Finals?
Why Toronto could beat the Golden State Warriors: Kawhi Leonard is a man on another planet right now. He is playing like he wants to win his second championship of his career. Leonard won his first championship in 2014 with the San Antonio Spurs. The Raptors have a very good bench when they decide they want to play. Toronto is also well coached by Nick Nurse. He is a better coach than people give him credit for. Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry have raised their games in the Eastern Conference Finals and it could carry into the NBA Finals. The Raptors also find a way to keep playing that pack line defensive effectively and it would maybe force the Golden State Warriors to make a ton of mistakes.
Why they won’t beat them: Kevin Durant returns to the NBA Finals for the Golden State Warriors and he is unstoppable to guard. Kawhi Leonard doesn’t get enough help from his supporting cast and they forget to play defense.
Why Milwaukee will beat them: Giannis Antetokounmpo dominates the series and his outside shot starts to fall. Other starters like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe rediscover there game. The bench outplays Golden State’s bench and if Milwaukee decides to play very good defense.
Why they won’t beat them: They become shy of the big moment and Golden State out hustles them on the floor. Another reason why it could happen is because Milwaukee’s role players disappears and if Giannis continues to struggle from the free throw line and moving down the lane, it could be a very quick series.
No matter what happens, I think the NBA Finals has the potential to go to at least six games this season, if not seven.
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