Here we have a Round 2 review from the playoffs, with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors, who faced off in 5 gritty games.

Throughout the season, both teams forged their identities based on defence, length and some very savvy manager work behind the controls.

Milwaukee had been consistent all year and this carried through to the playoffs, sweeping the Sixers in the previous round. Toronto had seen many versions of their team throughout the season, with an evolving and revolving team line up and strategy. Dylan got out of the first round by upsetting the higher-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, who happened to be his former team.

In a great match up, the big question was could anybody stop SGA? One of the best scorers in the league, he rarely has games where he doesn't positively impact scoring and buoy his team significantly with his high volume efficiency. The question for Milwaukee was could they stop the rebounds from Toronto, via Deandre Ayton? It was guaranteed that both teams would play hard-nosed defense, with the Bucks possessing more talent and and the Raptors having to the reputation as the master strategist.

The elephant in the room with Zion Williamson who once again is missing playoff basketball. At this stage, the status quo is just that - Zion is going to miss games, and games that matter.

Milwaukee hosted game one and boy were they happy about it. In a wild surprise, Toronto got out to a 20 point lead after 1 quarter, as stunned Bucks fans booed and jeered in confusion. However, 2k continued to demonstrate just how wild and unpredictable it is, with the Bucks then going on to outscore the Raptors by 50 points from there on out. Milwaukee dominated in every key area, with a balanced team effort in scoring, rebounding and of course, defense.

Game 2 saw the teams go in unchanged, both keen to test whether their strategies worked as they planned, and for Toronto, that the variance was just random. The game was even throughout with no team pulling away too far. However, Milwaukee would score a couple of extra points each quarter, a couple of extra stops, and that adds up. At the end of the game, that total was up to a 14 point victory. Another balanced effort for a Milwaukee and surprise 16 points from Rudy Gay off the bench sealed the win. DeAndre Ayton notched another 20-20 effort in the loss.

With the series going to Toronto for the first time could the raptors stand up and make this a series? Toronto made a lineup change with Isaac Okoro entering as the small forward. As Milwaukee had done all playoffs, their line-up remain unchanged and steady. SGA went ballistic for the Bucks! Scoring 34 points on just 17 shots. Toronto struggled to score again, and by half time, barring some 2k hijinx, the game was over and likely the series.

Game 2 in Toronto. Would the series be over after this game or with the raptors fight to push it out to a game 5? Finally, KCP showed up, scoring 21 points on just 13 shots, easily his best game for the series. Dejounte Murray was phenomenal an easily outplayed SGA. Murray scored and efficient 31 points keeping the raptors hungry for the win until the very end and staving off any potential Bucks' comeback. Had Toronto found the secret recipe, or was this merely another variation in 2k variance?

The series lived on, and the games move back to Milwaukee. Just like game 2, both teams remained unchanged, both curious and hopeful to see if what they believed in would come to fruition. However there was to be no fairytale continuation of this series, and Milwaukee came out hungry to end it on their home court. Despite the game remaining close throughout, the Bucks had an edge, and when the fourth quarter rolled around, they outscored Toronto 24 to 9. OG Anunoby popped off for what must be a career high 34 points, a superb effort in a series-clinching win. He combined with SGA for 66 of the Bucks 103 points.

Congratulations to the Bucks for advancing to another ECF, and further validating their standing as one of the NSLs great teams. Can they beat the Wizards, the East's best team? They answered any scepticism that they could not rebound enough. Their defensive build is arguably the best in the league and can get them to the NSL Finals.

Commiserations to Toronto who themselves had a fantastic season. Despite injury and an inconsistent availability of players, Dylan always gets the best out of his roster. This team and their defensive build will see them have another great season next year as they aim to push further into the playoffs.