Skip to content

Ibaka: Raptors match 'perfectly' with Bucks

Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty

The Milwaukee Bucks have the NBA's best record, a historically great defense, and reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

But in a best-of-seven postseason matchup, Toronto Raptors big man Serge Ibaka still likes his team's chances.

"I think we match with them perfectly," Ibaka said, according to The Athletic's Joe Vardon.

"Because the way they play, we have size. They have guys like Giannis, and you have to have some bodies, some bigs with size who can move their feet, and we have those guys. It's still going to take an army of guys to stop him, but at least you have somebody he can see ... because he can see nobody, you know him, he's going to get to the basket.

"But if he can see a body before the help comes, I think it's a big, big help for the team. We've got OG (Anunoby), we've got Pascal (Siakam) is tall enough, and sometimes you've got myself, and Marc (Gasol)."

Toronto overcame a 2-0 deficit to the Bucks in last year's Eastern Conference finals en route to their first title in franchise history. But a key component in the Raptors' turnaround was Kawhi Leonard, who took over as the primary defender for the Greek Freak in Game 3.

Leonard has since bolted for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, yet Toronto's defense remains fundamentally sound. Head coach Nick Nurse can throw a variety of different looks at Antetokounmpo with the Raptors' length and versatility.

The second-year bench boss is also putting a lot of stock into the club's championship experience from last season.

"You have a good idea, you think, you've seen what Pascal, Fred (VanVleet), Serge, Mark, Kyle, and those guys do with high-level, high-stress games," Nurse said.

Milwaukee has defeated Toronto by double digits in each of their two matchups this season. The clubs are scheduled to square off once more on Aug. 10.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox