NBA: Toronto Raptors prevail in thriller against Milwaukee Bucks in game three of Eastern Conference Finals

Kawhi Leonard has scored 36 points - including two important field goals late in second overtime - as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 118-112 in Game Three of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals.

The Bucks lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game Four on Wednesday (NZ time).

Pascal Siakam added 25 points and 11 rebounds for Toronto and Marc Gasol had 16 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell also had 19 points off the bench before fouling out late on.

Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was held to 12 points but grabbed 23 rebounds before fouling out in the second overtime.

The Raptors led by as many as 11 points but had only a two-point advantage entering the fourth quarter. They then reclaimed an eight-point lead when Leonard made a three-pointer with 9:05 to play, but the Bucks managed to claw themselves back to 96-96 by fulltime.

In overtime, Toronto again squandered a four-point advantage to send the match to second overtime, before Leonard finally put the match to bed.

Leonard made 11 of 25 shots and went 12 for 13 at the free throw line. He had nine rebounds and five assists despite appearing to be bothered by leg pain.

"I'm feeling all right. This is play-off basketball ... everybody's hurting so I've just got to keep fighting," Leonard said.

The winner of the Eastern Conference finals will likely face Golden State in the NBA Finals, with the Warriors up 3-0 in their series with Portland.     

Reuters