Event of the Day: Milwaukee Bucks versus Toronto Raptors
Our event of the day is Game 5 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors at the Fiserv Forum. It’s honours even after the opening four games of the series, with Milwaukee seeing their early two-game lead evaporate as Toronto proved too strong at home. The Bucks will therefore be relieved to be back in front of their home crowd where they have been so strong all season as they look to regain the series lead. The Golden State Warriors are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this series, but they could be waiting a little while longer as this one has all the credentials to go all the way. Despite winning the joint-most road games during the regular season, Milwaukee failed to emulate that form in this week’s clashes in Toronto, leaving them with it all to do once more as they look to join the Warriors in next month’s Finals. The reduced impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo in this two-game losing streak should not be understated. Toronto, and in particular Kawhi Leonard found a way to shut down the Greek Freak, limiting him to just 37 points in the past two games, in comparison to the 54 he dropped in the opening two. However, Antetokounmpo continues to lead his defensive unit to some tune, picking up 33 rebounds in those two road games, meaning no player left in this season’s playoffs has picked up more boards per game than the 24-year-old and that defensive hustle will be crucial once more tonight as his side look to get their noses in front once again.
Toronto meanwhile must be applauded for the way they’ve gone about their business since falling two games behind in the series. Buoyed by the passionate Toronto faithful, the Raptors have submitted two outstanding team performances, with more of the scoring load being shared amongst the whole roster. With Kawhi Leonard having a rare off-game shooting the ball last time out, it was Kyle Lowry who shouldered the responsibility, knocking down 25 points to help sink the Bucks. However, with Milwaukee holding the advantage of hosting a potential Game 7, Toronto will have to find a way to win at the Fiserv Forum if they are to reach their first ever NBA Finals series. It should be an exciting night of basketball in Milwaukee.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to Finals Night of the Unibet Premier League, where four of the world’s best will battle it out for the prestigious crown at London’s O2 Arena. Michael van Gerwen will be the strong favourite heading into the night’s action after winning the league phase, but standing in his way is Daryl Gurney who has already beaten the Dutchman twice in the Premier League this term. The winner of that game will meet either James Wade or Rob Cross, with the latter hoping to go one better than last year’s Semi-final exit. Elsewhere, in the cricket, South Africa’s women welcome Pakistan to Willowmoore Park today for the 5th T20I. Meanwhile, Dundee United meet St. Mirren in the Scottish Premier LeaguePlayoffs as the first leg takes place at Tannadice Park. In Australia’s National Rugby League, bottom-placed Penrith Panthers will look to kick-start their season as they travel to Parramatta to take on the Eels at Western Sydney Stadium. The MLB continues today with plenty more games to watch out for, including the New York Yankees’ trip to Baltimore as the Yankees face the Orioles at Oriole Park. Finally, there is action in the golf to watch out for as some of the sport’s biggest names battle it out at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth Texas for the $7.3 million prize fund.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Bucks; Raptors