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Defensive Raptors stop Bucks to capture third straight victory

Xinhua, December 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Toronto Raptors beat Milwaukee Bucks 90-83 to win their third straight game in NBA action on Friday evening.

   Raptors' defence continued their strong performance by holding Bucks to a season-low 31 points in the first half.

   After starting the game down 11-4 in first five minutes of the game, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey called a timeout to bring in veterans Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson off the bench.

   Raptors finished the quarter on a 20-6 run and led 24-17. By halftime, the lead was extended to 49-31.

   "I thought we were a little lethargic," said Casey following the game. "They came in and jump started us."

   Despite holding Milwaukee to an impressive 29 percent from the field in the first half, Milwaukee responded in the second half by nearly doubling their rate, shooting 55 percent in the second half.

   "Every NBA team is going to make a run," said Casey. "They made their run, I thought we withstood it and responded with some positive plays down the stretch."

   Raptors saw a 19-point lead shrink to as low as four in the final stages of the fourth quarter, but never relinquished the lead.

   Casey's emphasis on defence this season has been one of the primary reasons the team currently hold a 15-9 record on the season.

   Toronto's defence is currently ranked top five in two defensive metrics. Raptors are ranked third in opponents points allowed with 96.2 points per game and fifth in opponent field goal percentage with 42.8 percent.

   The victory also marks the eighth consecutive game where Toronto have held opponents below 100 points. The team holds a 13-3 record on the season in such scenario while they are 2-6 when opponents hit or exceed the century mark.

   Raptors will look to continue their defensive-first mentality throughout the season and into the playoffs.  Endi