Thunder and Lakers tip off

Not long after the Hawks–Bucks battle ended, the next game got underway in the Eastern Conference: Game 1 of the first-round series between the Bucks and Raptors.

Compared with the previous matchup, where the teams were worlds apart, the gap in actual strength between these two teams was not nearly as large.

The Raptors had both a very solid roster and a deep bench, which meant they were at least not at much of a disadvantage in individual matchups against the Bucks.

Of course, that analysis came from people with a certain understanding of basketball.

The Bucks' enormous fan base did not necessarily see things that way.

After all, a sizable portion of fans really did not know the game all that well~~

As far as they were concerned, their mighty Bucks had The Greek Freak and Lillard, two elite stars!

Who did the Raptors have? The Trash Brothers, another year older?

They couldn't beat James back then, so how could they possibly beat The Greek Freak this year?!!

And so, in the pregame discussions, a chorus of support stood behind the Bucks.

Many believed this series would end with the Bucks sweeping the Raptors. At worst, it would be a 4–1 gentleman's sweep.

But the Toronto Raptors put the Bucks on notice right in the first game, proving their strength.

Through teamwork, they successfully defeated Milwaukee 118–114 in Game 1, grinding out a hard-earned victory on their opponents' home court!

DeMar DeRozan finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists; Kyle Lowry had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists; OG Anunoby had 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists; Siakam had 17 points and 12 rebounds; and Poeltl had 8 points and 9 rebounds.

With everyone contributing, the Raptors played highly efficient basketball.

The biggest key, and