Bucks Fall Short Against Raptors, Struggle to Close Late Despite Strong Nights From Portis, Turner
The Milwaukee Bucks dropped another tight one at home, falling 111-105 to the Toronto Raptors in a game that felt like it was within reach until the final moments. Despite solid offensive efforts from Bobby Portis and Myles Turner, the Bucks couldn’t complete the comeback and are now 1-2 against Toronto this season, having lost back-to-back games to the Raptors.
This one stings not just because of the result, but because Milwaukee had its chances. The Bucks cut the deficit to four with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, but a quick 9-3 Raptors run buried any hopes of a late rally. The inability to string together stops-something Bobby Portis pointed out postgame-proved to be the difference.
Let’s break down the key performances and what stood out in another frustrating loss for Milwaukee.
Player Breakdown
Bobby Portis - 39 minutes, 24 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, 9/16 FG, 3/6 3PT, +3
Portis continues to be a bright spot for the Bucks, especially on the offensive end.
He poured in 24 points and added 12 boards, notching his 82nd career double-double off the bench-good for third all-time among NBA reserves. He’s now just four behind Enes Freedom for second place.
Portis was efficient, physical, and vocal, doing everything he could to keep Milwaukee in it.
Grade: B+
Kevin Porter Jr. - 40 minutes, 22 points, 13 assists, 4 rebounds, 7 turnovers, 7/18 FG, 2/6 3PT, +2
Statistically, KPJ had a strong night-22 points and 13 dimes is nothing to scoff at.
But the seven turnovers tell the other side of the story. At times, it looked like he was trying to force the issue, especially late when the Bucks needed composure.
The effort is there, but the decision-making has to tighten up.
Grade: C+
Myles Turner - 31 minutes, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 6/14 FG, 4/10 3PT, 5/6 FT, -9
Turner came out aggressive, leading the Bucks in scoring at halftime with 15.
He was in rhythm early, stretching the floor and attacking mismatches. But his second half was quiet, and Milwaukee needed more from him down the stretch.
Still, his first-half performance was a reminder of how valuable he can be when fully engaged.
Grade: B
Ryan Rollins - 28 minutes, 17 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 7/15 FG, 3/7 3PT, +7
Rollins came off the bench for the first time since the opener, but he didn’t sulk-he delivered.
Efficient scoring, active hands on defense, and a +7 in a game the Bucks lost by six. He arguably outplayed KPJ in stretches.
The decision to bring him off the bench was a strategic one, but based on performance alone, it’s fair to question if that’s the best role for him.
Grade: B+
AJ Green - 24 minutes, 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2/5 FG, -3
Back in the lineup after nearly two weeks off, Green looked like a guy shaking off rust.
He didn’t attempt a three until the fourth quarter and never quite found his rhythm. The hope is that with this game under his belt, he’ll settle back in.
Grade: C-
Gary Trent Jr. - 30 minutes, 3 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1/8 FG, 1/5 3PT, -15
Tough night for Trent.
The looks were there-open shots, catch-and-shoot chances-but the touch was off. Against his former team, he couldn’t get anything going offensively.
Everyone has off nights; this was one of them.
Grade: D-
Jericho Sims - 26 minutes, 6 points, 7 rebounds, 4 fouls, 4 turnovers, 3/4 FG, -6
Sims flashed his athleticism and rebounding ability, but also showed why he’s still developing.
He finished well on rolls and crashed the glass, but the turnovers and fouls piled up. With Kyle Kuzma out, Sims got extended minutes-but it’s still unclear if he’s the best fit in those spots.
Grade: C-
Gary Harris - 21 minutes, 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3/4 FG, -9
Harris gave the Bucks quality minutes, especially on the defensive end.
He did a solid job guarding Brandon Ingram and made the most of his limited offensive touches. For a guy who wasn’t expected to be in the rotation early in the season, he’s carved out a nice role.
Grade: B
Coaching Decisions
Doc Rivers
Doc made a notable adjustment by moving Ryan Rollins to the bench, citing the need to have a fresh guard on the floor at all times to combat Toronto’s ball pressure.
The logic makes sense on paper, especially with Giannis out and KPJ-Rollins lineups struggling in non-Giannis minutes. But given how well Rollins played, the move feels questionable in hindsight.
The Bucks needed more cohesion late, and the rotations didn’t help.
Grade: D+
Game-Changing Stretch
With 7:01 left in the fourth, Milwaukee had clawed back to within four points-down 92-88. But Toronto responded with a quick 9-3 burst in under two minutes, ballooning the lead back to double digits.
That was the turning point. As Portis said postgame, the Bucks simply couldn’t string together enough stops to build momentum.
They’d get two in a row, then give up a tough shot or a put-back. Close, but not enough.
Bonus Bucks Bits
- Portis’ Milestone: With his 82nd double-double off the bench, Bobby Portis now ranks third all-time among NBA reserves. Only Enes Freedom (86) and Detlef Schrempf (90) are ahead of him.
- No-Giannis Struggles Continue: The Bucks are now 2-9 this season without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
That number speaks for itself. The team is still searching for its identity in those non-Giannis minutes.
- Doc’s Outlook: Despite the loss, Rivers remains optimistic. “I think we’re starting to figure out... who plays best in the non-Giannis minutes,” he said. “If we can get Giannis back healthy for the rest of the year, I think it will serve well for us.”
- Cream City Jerseys: The Bucks are now 1-2 this season when wearing the Cream City alternates.
What’s Next
Milwaukee now hits the road for a five-game stretch, starting with a tough test against the Minnesota Timberwolves, currently the No. 6 seed in the West. That game tips off Sunday, Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
With Giannis’ status still uncertain, the Bucks will need to find answers fast-especially when it comes to closing games. The effort is there.
The execution? Still a work in progress.