The Toronto Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 97-93, at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday night.

The Raptors (10-13) served early notice they wouldn't be facilitating an easy path to a ninth straight win for the Bucks (14-9), with Toronto jumping out to a 48-40 lead by halftime. Milwaukee was able to put a three-point dent into its deficit during the third quarter, and the defending champs got as close as within two points with just 13.6 seconds remaining before the hosts were able to record the final two points of the game on a pair of Fred VanVleet free throws.

Jrue Holiday led the way for the Bucks with 26 points, adding eight assists, six rebounds and one block. Khris Middleton totaled 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Bobby Portis generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Grayson Allen poured in 10 points.

VanVleet paced the Raptors with 29 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one block. Pascal Siakam furnished 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block. Scottie Barnes delivered 13 points, seven boards, four assists, three steals and one block. Gary Trent managed eight points, eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.

The Bucks return home to host the Miami Heat on Saturday night, while the Raptors host the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening.