There’s no worst time to go cold from the field for the Toronto Raptors than Thursday night at the Bradley Center. After an emotional win in Game 2, Kyle Lowry, Demar Derozan, Serge Ibaka and the rest of the Raptors were simply smothered by the length and athleticism of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Ice cold shooting
The Raptors’ 3-point arsenal (13th best in the league at 36.3 percent) was non-existent throughout the 48-minute contest. Toronto’s All-Star backcourt of DeRozan and Lowry couldn’t sink a shot over the outstretched arms of the Bucks’ perimeter defenders.
The length of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Tony Snell along with the peskiness of Matthew Dellavedova only allowed the Raptors to shot just 33.8 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from the 3-point line.
Thursday’s ballgame marked a career playoff low for DeRozan, who just became the first player in NBA history to go 0-for-3 or worse in a playoff match after putting up at least 25 points per game during the regular-season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. The All-Star finished with 8 points on 0-for-8 shooting in Game 3.
The Raptors’ playoff record on the road also dropped 6-27 all time, putting them just second behind the worst road team in postseason – the New Orleans Pelicans.
Feeling Optimistic
Despite the 104-77 beat down, Lowry still feels the Raptors can still find ways to bag the series, especially if they can take Game 4 on Sunday. "I still think we can win the series...Our confidence is not changed," Lowry told the media via the Associated Press following a 13-point output.
On the other hand, Raptors head coach Dwane Casey promised to make adjustments and possible lineup changes heading into the next game.
"We'll make changes ... As a staff, we have to do a better job of finding ways for openings and space for us to score,” Casey, whose postseason coaching record fell to 12-20.
Ibaka Injury
Serge Ibaka also had a rough Game 3, contributing 6 points and three rebounds in 26 minutes – which is a far cry from his 16 points, seven boards, six assists, two blocks and four triples performance in Game 2.
Ibaka was listed questionable before Game 2 with a severe ankle injury, but he played through the pain. On Wednesday, the Raptors shot-blocker said he’s recovering well from his injury and felt much better compared to the previous days. It's uncertain if the sore ankle had bothered him last Thursday.