The Milwaukee Bucks' effort and intensity were better. So, too, were the results.

After a string of five lackluster outings, all of which were losses, the Bucks looked like Eastern Conference championship contenders again Thursday night.

Buoyed by two of their so-called "Big Three" -- guards Sam Cassell and Ray Allen -- the Bucks defeated the Toronto Raptors 95-89 at the Bradley Center.

The victory came against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Going into this encounter, Toronto and Milwaukee had the fourth- and fifth-best records in the East at 11-7 and 9-6.

But to a man, the Bucks didn't care whom they beat to snap their losing streak.

"The monkey was getting to be the size of King Kong," said Bucks reserve forward Tim Thomas, who contributed eight key points off the bench in the third quarter. "It took a lot of bullets, a lot of knives, a lot of guns to bring him down.

"Now, hopefully, we'll keep him down. It was a big win for us."