Raptors vs. Bucks: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Toronto Raptors (18-17) play against the Milwaukee Bucks (15-15) at Fiserv Forum

Game Time: 8:00 PM EST on Wednesday January 5, 2022

Toronto Raptors 117, Milwaukee Bucks 111 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Kyrie’s return, Dirk’s jersey retirement, Milwaukee’s surprising decision to part company with Boogie Cousins, Becky Hammon’s looming exit to the WNBA and everything else happening in this league … let’s discuss Thursday at 1 PM ET in the @SpotifyGrnroom. See you there … – 1:41 AM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
New @lockedonbucks w/@Frank Madden 🦌
The Bucks cut Boogie which overshadowed a loss to Toronto.
-Why?
-Financial implications
-Looking ahead to the postseason
-Why Boogie and not others?
-Forecasting future moves
📺 https://t.co/UYwZ0c7F90
🎙️ https://t.co/fq5or75rZX pic.twitter.com/ax3KEzMjE4 – 12:51 AM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Fred VanVleet is making his case to become a first-time all-star, and it’s a compelling one, but his Raptors teammates and coaches know they’ve also got a part to play.
A four-game winning streak to get them back above .500 is a good place to start: https://t.co/4lhqtOBgK4 pic.twitter.com/oHLWnw8oug – 12:44 AM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
The winning streak continues 
Game Highlights | @TangerineHoops
 
Watch: https://t.co/tyoKpwUqzE pic.twitter.com/2suxbww91k – 12:30 AM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
The overwhelming disappointment to the Boogie Cousins decision is a little surprising to me. Just wrapped up with Frank on @lockedonbucks. We tried to look at the decision from all angles. Join the conversation in the YouTube comment section! – 12:28 AM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
The Jazz defeat the Nuggets 115-109 in a candidate for win of the year. Utah survives Jokic without Gobert or Whiteside. Bogdanovic goes bonkers. Gay makes shots. Dok turns in impressive minutes. Utah moves to 28-10 on the season. Trip moves to Toronto and the raptors on Friday – 12:23 AM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
FINAL: Jazz 115, Nuggets 109. No Gobert, Whiteside, Ingles? Yeah, Utah will take this. 10 straight road wins, 28-10 overall. Bogey 36/13/4. Gay 18/7. Royce 13/11/5. Mike 10/6a/4r. Don 17p. JC 13p. Jokic an absurd 26/21/11. Jazz road trip continues Friday in Toronto. – 12:22 AM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The Raptors role player power rankings.
theathletic.com/3054008/2022/0… – 12:16 AM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
“I couldn’t be more proud of those guys in the locker room…I can sleep well tonight, knowing they gave a hell of an effort.”
Coach Darvin’s ASL Press Conference: pic.twitter.com/Kl2RhHJfvp – 12:08 AM

Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Boogie’s LEBRON this year: +1.51. EPM: +0.1. Weird decision to cut him. – 11:58 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
At @TheAthletic: Bucks to move on from DeMarcus Cousins; here’s why they’re still searching for a backup big man theathletic.com/3052732/2022/0… – 11:45 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Our headline story on the Bucks’ decision to waive DeMarcus Cousins is now live at @TheAthletic: theathletic.com/news/bucks-pla… – 11:31 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves PR @Twolves_PR
The 98-90 @Minnesota Timberwolves win over the Oklahoma City Thunder came via wire-to-wire fashion, the fifth such victory of the season.
The five wire-to-wire wins tie Memphis and Milwaukee for the most such wins in the @NBA this season. – 11:28 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst: “There’s nothing that would prevent us from partnering with DeMarcus (Cousins) again…He was so good for us.” ESPN story: es.pn/3t3t66O – 11:28 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
A near triple-double for Jrue tonight.
15 PTS | 8 REB | 12 AST pic.twitter.com/I3A18zRm5B – 11:23 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
They just did a Jumbotron weather report and part of tomorrow in Denver will be ZERO degrees. I believe I’ll go to Toronto instead. pic.twitter.com/pRXWzHadFY – 11:19 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Jordan with some quality minutes tonight.
17 PTS | 6 REB | 2 AST pic.twitter.com/vGLV4YP10D – 11:05 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED
33 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST
@Pascal Siakam | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/MhZpkZKe29 – 11:04 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
On waiving DeMarcus Cousins to open roster spot for trade deadline, Bucks GM Jon Horst tells ESPN: “We wouldn’t have been able to get through this difficult stretch of the season as successfully as we did without DeMarcus…He was so good for us and hopefully we helped him too.” – 11:02 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
A team effort tonight vs. Raptors. pic.twitter.com/NeXA1GGwQl – 10:59 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
And just like that Raptors are in 7th in the East, 1.5 games behind Cleveland in 6th. – 10:51 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Khris recorded his 15th game with 20+ points tonight.
🎰: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/3rmWTNmHmI – 10:49 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Winning helps make all-star cases but it’s bigger than that. A piece on Fred VanVleet to carry us through Game 35 of 82
thestar.com/sports/raptors… – 10:49 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Lots of games to go (and to be made up) but Raptors now 1.5 games out of being able to avoid the play-in fun and 2 out of fifth in the East. – 10:46 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Back to back to back to back pic.twitter.com/wgKKB5KSXa – 10:45 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
DeMarcus Cousins has had a weird career:
-Languishes in Sacramento for years
-Traded during the All-Star Game
-Gets hurt just as he’s balling out for New Orleans and about to hit free agency
-Hurt multiple more times
-Cut after putting up 15/10 for the champs.
Rough run. – 10:34 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Another one *@djkhaled voice* pic.twitter.com/BtzvA1CRgN – 10:34 PM

Eric Smith @Eric__Smith
Giannis or not…
That’s an impressive win.
Raps w/ 4-straight Ws.
4-2 this yr on 2nd night of back to back.
Siakam (33) sensational (& taking many of your apologies now).
Trent & OG each w/ 22.
Toronto holds MIL to 34 pts in 2nd half.
Raptors above .500; host Utah on Fri – 10:32 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Came up short. pic.twitter.com/mNFl2Gv8eg – 10:30 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
The Raptors are 4-2 on the second night of back-to-backs this season – that’s already more wins than they had all of last season, when they went 3-13. – 10:30 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
W, W, W, W
2022 Been good to us! pic.twitter.com/oI9gocWNSj – 10:28 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Bucks waiving Cousins is sort of curious. Still a position of need for them with Lopez out and he played pretty well for them. – 10:28 PM

Payal Doshi @PayalDoshiTV
Raptors are above .500 for the first time since Nov. 11th. – 10:27 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors above .500 for first time since early Nov after 117-111 win
Horrid first half but a very impressive second for fourth straight win – 10:27 PM

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
The Milwaukee Bucks plan to waive center DeMarcus Cousins, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Bucks are opting for roster flexibility ahead of league-wide contract guarantee date Friday. There’s expected to be interest in Cousins as a free agent. – 10:27 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks can’t pull it off, lose 117-111 to the #Raptors. – 10:26 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Jittery final few minutes notwithstanding, the Raptors close out an excellent second half to beat the Giannis-less Bucks and pick up their 4th straight win. At 18-17 they’re back above .500 for the first time since early-November. – 10:26 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Raptors 117, Bucks 111 – 10:26 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
A Jrue Holiday 3 cuts the Bucks’ deficit to four with 19.7 left. – 10:20 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Just like the other night against the #Pistons, the #Bucks are trying to race back from a double-digit deficit in the final minutes. They trail the #Raptors 114-110 with 19.7 seconds left. – 10:20 PM

Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Opponents the Spurs have held below 100 points in a game this season (9-1):
Orlando x 2
Milwaukee
Oklahoma City (Lost)
Boston x 2
Washington
Portland
New Orleans
Clippers – 10:20 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
NOT IN BOBBY’S HOUSE!! ❌ pic.twitter.com/RvPIqL9T1T – 10:19 PM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs hand the Warriors their 2nd worst loss of the season. Lost by 19 at TOR. – 10:19 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors up 7 without the ball, 33.7 left – 10:18 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bobby Portis just blocked a Pascal Siakam floater into DeMarcus Cousins’ waiting arms on the Bucks’ bench. And then he let Siakam know about it.
Raptors up, 114-107, with 37.8 left, but just 4.3 left on the shotclock for them. – 10:16 PM

Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Bucks-Raps has been so physical – 10:15 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Gary Trent Jr. with the DeMar phantom 5s after a technical. – 10:13 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Khris Middleton just got T’d up. He earned it. – 10:13 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Wow. Khris Middleton was just hit with a technical. #Bucks trail 113-106 with a minute left. – 10:13 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Jrue Holiday has a double-double with 12 points and 12 assists. #Bucks trying again to rally in the final minutes. – 10:12 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
⭐️1 RT = 1 VOTE ⭐️
@Khris Middleton x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/C7VbV1SZar – 10:11 PM

Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
The Milwaukee Bucks tonight …
77 points in the first 23 minutes
26 points in the next 23 minutes – 10:11 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Siakam: “We know what’s up, come on.”
VanVleet: “That’s two more stops, let’s get one more.”
I think they disagreed with the whistle. – 10:11 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The VanVleet-Holiday matchup has been so grimy. Love it. – 10:10 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
The Raptors came into this back-to-back with a -14.6 net rating without VanVleet on the floor. Guessing Nick Nurse was aware of that stat – he’s had Siakam, Anunoby and Barnes on the floor for most of Fred’s rest minutes. They’re +16 without FVV over these last 2 games. – 10:09 PM

Chris Herring @Herring_NBA
Bucks literally can’t score on Toronto’s never-ending arms – 10:08 PM

Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
“Night and day.” – Derrick White on the difference in playing in front of fans tonight compared to last night at Toronto.
He said even having opposing fans yelling makes it a different environment. – 10:08 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Jrue Holiday has been uncharacteristically sloppy with the basketball tonight. That last turnover has him up to eight turnovers on the night. – 10:08 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The Raptors sent two guys at all the wrong times in the first half, and all the right times in the second half. – 10:07 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Next Coach up.
📸 @PicknSaveStores Photo of the Night. pic.twitter.com/CXNpQSsZly – 10:06 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The Bucks were 13-of-21 from 3 in the first half.
At this point, they’ve made just one of the 12 3s they’ve tried in the second half. – 10:06 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Final: Nets rally to beat the Pacers 129-119. Kyrie Irving with 22 points in his return, Durant with 39 and Harden with 18. DeAndre’ Bembry is the unsung hero IMO. Losing streak snapped, Brooklyn returns home to host the Bucks on Friday. Plenty of coverage coming. – 10:05 PM

John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Bucks with a 77-point first half and a 19-point second half. – 10:05 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
A Precious @Precious Achiuwa Moment pic.twitter.com/O91juIgJMR – 10:04 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
The Raptors bench is three centres and an undrafted guy – 10:03 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
I spoke to Pascal Siakam after he returned from shoulder surgery; he said his goal wasn’t just to get back to pre-injury form, but pre-pandemic All-Star/All-NBA form. He’s done that, and then some. That’s how good he’s been over the last 7 weeks. Best basketball he’s ever played. – 10:02 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Jrue Holiday also has 7 turnovers tonight. That’s weird. He has 12 points and 9 assists. #Bucks have 16 turnovers total. – 10:02 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Raptors now have 18 second chance points and they’re up 110-96 on the #Bucks with 7:06 to play. – 10:01 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
And this one is slipping away from the Bucks. Raptors have outscored them, 18-8, here in the fourth quarter and now lead by 14, 110-96, with 7:06 left. – 10:01 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
This game is only reaffirming my belief that Giannis is the MVP. – 10:01 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
I can’t believe how much time I spend thinking about what Chris Boucher could run a 400m in. – 9:58 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Hear me out: Pascal Siakam is good. – 9:58 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Bobby 👌 Buckets 👌 pic.twitter.com/umNOLKjqdT – 9:56 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Not only are the #Raptors still shooting 50% from the floor (and from three) they have 17 points off 14 #Bucks turnovers. – 9:56 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors buying even 3 minutes without VanVleet and not paying dearly feels like a win right now – 9:55 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After the Bucks tied it, the Raptors rattled off six straight and now lead, 100-94, with 9:28 left.
Offense has cooled off, so they’ll need to do it with defense. – 9:55 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
4th quarter finish. pic.twitter.com/cQ1mBUw9Mc – 9:49 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Basketball is weird. Raptors lead. Gave up 77 in first two quarters, 11 in third. – 9:49 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
After allowing 77 1st-half points, the Raptors held Milwaukee without a FG over the final 7:21 of the 3rd quarter, outscoring them 24-11 in the frame. Bucks shot 3-for-21 and missed all 8 of their 3s (after going 13-for-21 in the 1st half). Toronto by 4 going into the 4th. – 9:49 PM

Chris Grenham @chrisgrenham
Celtics had a chance, but a missed attempt at the rim is how it ends. That one is going to sting.
Boston falls to San Antonio, a team that had lost four in a row and played in Toronto last night. – 9:48 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Raps lead 92-88 after 3. Bucks score just 11 in the quarter. I’m guessing the Raptors stick to Boucher, Champagnie and Boucher off bench. – 9:48 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors by 4 heading into the fourth
Weird game, this basketball is
Almost like it’s a game of runs or something – 9:48 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
He’s been doin his plyometric training fo’ sho
@Fred VanVleet | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/fmvittkrZA – 9:46 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
DeMarcus Cousins has 15 points and 10 rebounds for the #Bucks. It’s his second double-double of the season. – 9:45 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Tornado P
@Pascal Siakam | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/bMxaxUA559 – 9:44 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks haven’t hit a shot since the 7:21 mark of the quarter. – 9:44 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
If Siakam gets to be “Pascal Rodman” then VanVleet will now be known as “Fred Mutombo” pic.twitter.com/BjDFS7xpjI – 9:43 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
No one could have expected either team to shoot around 60% all game but the #Bucks have now dipped below 50% here in the third quarter. They trail 88-86. – 9:42 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Raptors just aren’t into making that early pass in transition. – 9:41 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
FRED VANVLEET LEGIT BLOCK – 9:41 PM

Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
Wizards have struggled with small teams that switch 1-5 all season, dating all the way back to the fourth quarter of the (otherwise great) season opener against Toronto. Bite them in the ass again. – 9:37 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
SEEEEEEEEESH @JordanNwora!! 😳 pic.twitter.com/js9gQGu42w – 9:35 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
See it now, the floor level cameras sure make the Raptors uniforms a washed-out red or orange for sure – 9:33 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Wesley Matthews now has four fouls also for the #Bucks.
Milwaukee’s 14-point lead has now been wiped away. Game is tied at 85. – 9:32 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Don’t look now, Raptors within 2 – 9:31 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
So, Darvin Ham’s challenge was unsuccessful. Still a foul on Khris Middleton.
But the timeout and challenge gave the officials an opportunity to see Siakam’s elbow hitting Middleton’s face and assessing a technical on Siakam. – 9:31 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Between Giannis and his teammate, #54, Bucks are ‘team scrabble’. – 9:29 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks and #Raptors are currently 30-for-54 from the floor and 13-for-23 from the three-point line.
Weird. – 9:28 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
That’s a big one-handed slam by Jordan Nwora. Up to 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting.
He’s been really decisive tonight with the ball in his hands. That’s the type of decision-making the Bucks need to see from him as a rotation player. – 9:27 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
That’s a great defensive possession by Wesley Matthews. Great closeout, great recovery and deflection, and then one more great recovery and steal.
Straight up determination. – 9:23 PM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
#Nets previous season-high allowed through three was 100 vs. Toronto on Dec. 14. They trail 101-90 with :36.7 left in the third and KD going to the line. – 9:22 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Bobby Portis picks up his fourth foul a minute into the third quarter. Wesley Matthews has three fouls. #Bucks up 77-71. – 9:20 PM

Rod Boone @rodboone
Final: #Hornets 140, Pistons 111
Kelly Oubre 32 pts
Gordon Hayward 19 pts
Miles Bridges 19 pts
Terry Rozier 16 pts
LaMelo 12 pts, 12 asts, 8 rebs
Up next: vs. Milwaukee on Saturday – 9:16 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
I thought Scottie Barnes had a really low-impact first half, which is usually a thought I think before he has a big third quarter. – 9:16 PM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Spurs have lost four games in a row and are coming off of a back-to-back last night in Toronto. Very big quarter coming up here for the healthy Celtics. – 9:15 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Nwora looking good in the first half. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tmF8CWysjX – 9:14 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Bare time left pic.twitter.com/v434BUn4fq – 9:14 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
This man is hotter than the oven at 450!
@Fred VanVleet | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/SvcOiItUnq – 9:12 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Raptors got 49 1st-half pts from VanVleet/Siakam/Anunoby (on 18-27 FG, 10-13 3P) and still trail by 9! Bench was outscored 29-7, Cousins found the fountain of youth, and the defence has been atrocious. 77 points for the Bucks – the most Raps have given up in a half this season. – 9:07 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Keep applying pressure. pic.twitter.com/rc5JNINRFy – 9:05 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors just scored 68 points in a half, made 12 3s and shot 54 per cent from the field
And they’re lucky to be in the game, only down 9 to Milwaukee – 9:04 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
I covered @PaulGoydosPGA shooting a 59 at the John Deere Classic. Amazing. Incredible shot making. Yet…@stevestricker shot a 60. Goydos was amazing, but didn’t pull away.
The #Bucks just dropped 77 in the first half on the #Raptors and shot 62.8% from the floor yet lead by 9. – 9:04 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Half: Bucks 77, Raptors 68
The Bucks just tied their most points scored in a first half this season without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sure. – 9:03 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Fred VanVleet from 3 over the last 10 quarters: 19-for-33. I mean, damn. – 9:03 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors have now given up more points in a half than any other this season
Was 72 in Cleveland on Boxing Day – 9:01 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
The audacity of Fred VanVleet lmao – 9:01 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
If Fred had won jump ball vs. Boogie, forget All-Star, he’s the real MVP. – 9:00 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Lean with it, rock with it. pic.twitter.com/RB7A7eLNY6 – 8:58 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
No, this is not a double post. The Boy @Fred VanVleet just keeps making 3’s | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Dkq0hb3Eyi – 8:58 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Boogie looking like a King again. – 8:56 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Bucks are STILL shooting 60% from the floor with 4:16 to go in the first half.
Khris Middleton and DeMarcus Cousins have 11 points each to lead the team. Toronto (52%) has three players in double figures. – 8:55 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Bucks have 66 points on 60 per cent shooting in 20 minutes
Doesn’t matter what you do offensively, you give up those numbers and winning is impossible – 8:54 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The nonstop scoring has continued here in Milwaukee. Bucks up, 66-53, with 4:16 left in the first half.
Cousins with 11p/5r. Middleton with 11p/3r/2a. Holiday with 9p/6a. – 8:54 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Pascal lookin at Middleton the way DeMar does tbqh pic.twitter.com/jUvvx1DGDO – 8:54 PM

Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Another new GT Cut PE for Khris Middleton tonight. 👀 pic.twitter.com/5Ba5FHpTsM – 8:52 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Bucks by 11; they’ve made 11 3s so far; some tough ones but the Raptors defence has been, well, suspect would be a word – 8:49 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Combined, the Raptors and Bucks are 19-for-30 from 3. – 8:49 PM

Ryan Miller @millerjryan
Danuel House is not available tonight. Quin Snyder said they are hopeful he’ll be ready to play against Toronto. – 8:46 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Two Raptors fouls on 3pt shooters in the last couple of minutes – 8:45 PM

Eric Walden @tribjazz
Quin said that Danuel House “won’t be ready to play tonight, but hopefully Toronto” on Friday. – 8:44 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Signature Stepback. 🔥
@Khris Middleton x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/bY9cm8gK9t – 8:44 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
walk down, behind the back, tween tween, side step … My Goodness @Pascal Siakam | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/9QMrj3BC4o – 8:44 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
OG Anunoby is looking mighty smooth on offence. His game has evolved a ton to a more natural flow. – 8:43 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
I’d say defense is optional at Fiserv Forum tonight, but I think both teams are just shooting the crap out of the ball.
Bucks are 10-of-16 from 3. Raptors are 7-of-10. – 8:42 PM

Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
20-point quarters this season
LeBron: 0
Durant: 0
Giannis: 0
Jokic: 0
Luka: 0
Embiid: 0
Harden: 0
Booker: 0
Trae: 0
Tatum: 0
Dame: 0
LANCE STEPHENSON: 1 – 8:38 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
A productive first quarter. pic.twitter.com/yJGEO79pg1 – 8:38 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Shootout in Milwaukee. The Raptors held the Giannis-less Bucks to 92 points last month. They just gave up 41 first-quarter points to them. Both teams shooting at least 54% from the field and 53% from 3. Raps trail by 6 after 1Q. – 8:37 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After one quarter, the Bucks lead, 42-35. After a slow start, the Bucks hit eight of their 14 3-point attempts to take control.
Advanced Stats:
OffRtg: 157.7
DefRtg: 134.6
Net Rtg: +23.1
ORB%: 40.0%
DRB%: 90.0% – 8:37 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks PA announced Jrue Holiday’s long two at 1:00 minute left in the quarter was changed to a three to make it 42-35 Milwaukee after one.
But of course, NBA live stats does not recognize that so some may still be seeing 41-35…. – 8:37 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Bucks up 41-35 after a quarter. 13 total 3s. Some of the Jrue 3s you live with, but some wide open ones for rollers. Raps were also briefly mystified by the Bucks’ zone. – 8:36 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Bucks making everything they look at, Raptors not particularly quick — or good — on defence.
Milwaukee by 6 after a quarter – 8:36 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Rather blah few minutes for the Raptors at both ends, now down 5 – 8:33 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks had a 15-0 run there, thanks to a couple of steals from DeMarcus Cousins and six points from Rodney Hood. – 8:33 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Raptors having some issues with the Milwaukee zone. Turnovers on back-to-back possessions before Boucher knocked down that 3. – 8:32 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Raptors got stuck on 27 for a while and the Bucks rattled off a 15-0 run. Boucher 3 ends it, but the Bucks are still up, 35-30. – 8:32 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Nothing but net for Boogie 👌 pic.twitter.com/doRAjCkA2h – 8:32 PM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Dirk Nowitzki had nine seasons with at least 100 3PM, the most such seasons in NBA history by a player with a listed height of 7’0″ or taller:
9 – Nowitzki
5 – Channing Frye
4 – Brook Lopez
3 – Andrea Bargnani pic.twitter.com/Gn7Ym85v8R – 8:31 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Sandro Mamukelashvili with seven points in four minutes to help the #Bucks erase an early 10-point deficit. – 8:30 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
It Pours … @Pascal Siakam | #NBAAllStar
This should count as 3 votes as ALL of our ALL STARS touched this ball 🙄 pic.twitter.com/0k0H2SRlFk – 8:29 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks have chipped away at the lead with some drive-and-kick looks. Three 3s since the last timeout, all created by getting into the paint and then kicking it out.
Nice extra pass from Nwora to Mamukelashvili on one of them. Raptors up, 27-22, with 4:24 left in the first. – 8:29 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors up 5, they’ve made 4 3s in about 7.5 minutes; VanVleet’s got two – 8:27 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
The #Raptors are still on fire (60% shooting) but the #Bucks are heating up – they’re up to 50% (9-for-18) in the last few minutes to pull to 27-22. – 8:26 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Sandro Mamukelashvili was the #Bucks sixth man tonight, subbing in for Wesley Matthews (two fouls). – 8:24 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks racking up some techs in these last few games – a freebie helps the #Raptors go up 19-9. Toronto already 5-for-6 from the free throw line.
Milwaukee is shooting 40% (4 of 10) and 0-for-3 from behind the three-point line. – 8:20 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Timeout to Darvin Ham with the Raptors up, 19-9, with 7:26 left in the first quarter.
Raptors are 6-of-9 from the field (2-of-3 from 3) in the first four and a half minutes. Bucks will have to turn it up defensively. – 8:20 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Raptors by 10 at first timeout, all five starters have scored – 8:20 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
When it rain’s .. @OG Anunoby | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/Yj6rk0k0Tb – 8:19 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Was Scott McCullough giving Scottie Barnes a manicure? – 8:19 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Khris through traffic.
@Khris Middleton x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/SpyIAjQBl5 – 8:18 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
The camera should just follow Jrue on Fred. – 8:16 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Jrue to Jordan to get us going. pic.twitter.com/YYYVK88aDV – 8:15 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
140 seconds in, all 5 Raptors starters have scored. – 8:15 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Warriors guard Gary Payton II gave his former Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd, a hug by the scorer’s table before he checked in. – 8:12 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
VanVleet hits his first shot, a 3-ball, because of course he does. – 8:12 PM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
So excited for Jrue vs FVV – 8:11 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Jordan Nwora scores the game’s first two points on a backdoor cut on the Bucks’ first offensive possession. – 8:11 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks-Raptors. pic.twitter.com/ey5L9hujeY – 8:09 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
It’s time for Bucks Basketball!! pic.twitter.com/ZF3omG7EKK – 8:06 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Tonight’s starters vs. Raptors: pic.twitter.com/ez22ML90az – 7:49 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks starters tonight against the Raptors:
Jrue Holiday
Jordan Nwora
Wesley Matthews
Khris Middleton
Bobby Portis Jr. – 7:42 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Wesley Matthews is getting a start tonight or the #Bucks, joining Jrue Holiday, Jordan Nwora, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis.
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 7:40 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Bobby recorded his 12th double-double on Monday giving him as many double-doubles this season as he had all of last season.
🎥: @Socios pic.twitter.com/68y3Zk6lHo – 7:39 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
Tonight’s @invisalign Starting Lineup pic.twitter.com/xYF89W408U – 7:38 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from Indy. To quote Cornelius Fudge, ‘He’s back.’ Kyrie Irving is playing for the Nets for the first time since spraining his ankle at Milwaukee in Game 3 of the 2020 conference semifinals. He’s starting alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden. The big three returns. – 7:22 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Same starters for the Raptors tonight. – 7:13 PM

Doug Smith @SmithRaps
For something new, Raptors are starting VanVleet, Trent, Anunoby, Barnes, Siakam tonight in Milwaukee – 7:10 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
K Midd incoming. 👀
🎥: @socios pic.twitter.com/kHNVAqE4Uw – 7:03 PM

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kyrie Irving will start tonight against the Pacers and is expected to play around 30 minutes. This marks the first time Irving, Kevin Durant and James Harden will play together for the Nets since Game 1 versus the Bucks in the playoffs on June 5, 2021. pic.twitter.com/Vnk9FWjhTz – 7:00 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Looking for revenge…
On December 2nd in Toronto, the Raptors were victorious (97-93) over the short-handed Bucks.
🔄 @BetwayUSA pic.twitter.com/YgEbpLlT9s – 6:52 PM

Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Nurse expects Scottie Barnes to open tonight’s game on Khris Middleton. Nurse had told us that Scottie asked to defend Middleton just before the Dec. 2 meeting, when Giannis (who’s out again tonight) was a late scratch. – 6:49 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Over his last four games, Fred VanVleet is averaging:
31.5 points,
8.3 assists,
4.5 rebounds,
6.0 made triples,
2.0 steals,
while slashing 50/48/95%
The Raps are 4-0 in those four games. – 6:45 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
If your friends don’t hype you up like this, they ain’t ya real friends
@OG Anunoby | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/kzfOgb5lOa – 6:37 PM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
It’s obviously not under the best circumstances, but it’s still great to see Darvin Ham up on the podium for pregame. Have been hoping he would receive a head coaching opportunity in recent years but it’s certainly been the Bucks benefit that he has stayed on the staff. – 6:30 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Jrueski 👀
📸: @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/vq3pdTDhJn – 6:26 PM

Ryan Wolstat @WolstatSun
Acting Milwaukee Bucks coach Darvin Ham says Jrue Holiday is “pound-for-pound the best perimeter defender in the (NBA) bar none.” – 6:23 PM

Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Bucks acting head coach Darvin Ham points out he was a coach and GM of New Mexico in D-League.
D-LEAGUE COACH OFF TONIGHT LET’S GO – 6:20 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Iconic fit.
📸: @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/L3JebrPATt – 6:12 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Thanasis Antetokounmpo is warming up for the #Bucks – 6:06 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Good read here by @TylerRickyTynes on Raptors president Masai Ujiri: gq.com/story/gq-hype-… – 5:10 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Just an FYI – if none of three health & safety questionable players clear and are available tonight for the #Bucks, they still have 9 available players for acting head coach Darvin Ham.
The issue, of course, if none of them clear AND another two players go into it before tip. – 5:08 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
3 hours ’til gametime.
📝: @Jockey pic.twitter.com/c7T0i1MM7t – 5:01 PM

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
“I am grateful to be in this position,” Josh Primo said last night in Toronto. “I know there are a lot of people who would love to be here. That’s why I work hard each and every day and try to be grateful each and every time I step on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/JslqhYlJ2S – 4:58 PM

Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Bucks have dealt with a ton of injuries this year but it’s also wild how easy their schedule has been. Here are their wins vs. .500+ teams (8-6):
Nets (home)
Cavs (home)
Hornets (home)
Lakers (no LeBron)
Nuggets (no Jokic)
Sixers (no Embiid)
Heat (no Jimmy/Bam)
Mavs (no Luka) – 4:49 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Light it up. 💡 pic.twitter.com/yEdAbxykuI – 4:31 PM

Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks guard George Hill has also entered the league’s health and safety protocol. – 4:28 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
414 vs. The 6
🎰: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/WsQlR4WiRS – 4:01 PM

Toronto Raptors @Raptors
#NBAAllStar @Fred VanVleet‘s last 2 games:
35 Pts, 5 Ast, 7 3pm, 0 TO
33 Pts, 7 Ast, 7 3pm, 0 TO
He’s the first player in NBA history to have back-to-back games with 30+ points, 5+ assists, 5+ threes, and no turnovers. pic.twitter.com/XR5mzz6BUQ – 2:33 PM

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks
Got a BMO Bucks debit card?
Bring your BMO Bucks debit card to the BMO East Entrance at 5:30PM for tonight’s @BMOHarrisBank Blue Carpet Night! Special 20% concession discounts all night for BMO Bucks Debit cardholders. pic.twitter.com/F0BbwNu76b – 2:01 PM