Raptors suffer blowout 128-111 loss against Giannis-less Bucks

The season continues the rollercoaster ride it has been for the Toronto Raptors as they suffer an embarrassing loss 128-111 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks. The issues with consistency rise as prominent as ever, especially considering that Milwaukee was without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Fresh off an amazing comeback victory over the Washington Wizards, it would be expected that this team would've realized they couldn't get out to another slow start. That wasn't the case as the effort level of this team was lackadaisical from the beginning. 

Within the first quarter, the Bucks would take a 15-point lead behind the stellar play of Damian Lillard. In their matchup earlier in the season, Lillard finished with just 15 points, he eclipsed that total in the first 12 minutes of action, finishing with 37 points on the night. Without Giannis for Milwaukee, it was a guarantee that the offensive load would fall on the member of the NBA Top 75 list. However, he wasn't alone in his efforts.

Malik Beasley followed his 20-point game in their prior matchup with an emphatic 30 points, consisting of timely threes. The veteran guard connected on eight triples, which was just one shy of the amount the entire Raptors team made. Overall, Milwaukee made 20 three-pointers on 51 percent shooting from the field, ultimately being the deciding factor.

Besides that the Raptors outplayed the Bucks in every other aspect. Toronto dominated the glass and outrebounded Milwaukee 55-41. Especially, on the offensive glass, grabbing 26 offensive rebounds, while the Bucks secured just nine. Toronto had 52 points in the paint compared to Milwaukee's 34. The only thing that Toronto couldn't do, which is the most important, was make shots.

Despite the unfortunate loss, Scottie Barnes was the highlight for this team. He finished with a team-high 29 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. No other player on the team was able to be of great help on the offensive end. Pascal Siakam was extremely disappointing with just 10 points on nine shot attempts. Surprising considering he was coming off of a 39-point performance, which he willed the team to victory.

There are still many issues with this team that need to be addressed before they can be considered a formidable playoff team. Toronto now drops to 5-6 on the season and will have their hands full with the Boston Celtics on Friday for their first In-Season Tournament game at 7:30 PM ET.