Leonard scores 27, Raptors advance to first NBA Finals

By Ian Harrison The Associated Press

6 years ago

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) works between Milwaukee Bucks' George Hill, left, and ... — Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) works between Milwaukee Bucks’ George Hill, left, and Khris Middleton (22) during the second half of Game 6 of the NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Toronto. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo takes a moment on the court in the the closing minutes in Game 6 of the team’s NBA basketball playoffs Eastern Conference finals against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, May 25, 2019, in Toronto. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO — Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Toronto Raptors into the NBA Finals for the first time with a 100-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.

The Raptors overcame a 15-point deficit to win the series in six games and will host the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.

Pascal Siakam scored 18 points, Kyle Lowry had 17 and Fred VanVleet 14 for the Raptors, who used a 26-3 run late in the third quarter and early in the fourth to turn the game in their favor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points and 11 rebounds, but the NBA’s top team in the regular season saw its bid for a first finals berth in 45 years come to a disappointing end with a fourth consecutive defeat.