TORONTO — The Milwaukee Bucks are one loss away from elimination. The N.B.A. playoffs do not slow down for any team, not even for one as precocious as the Bucks. It could all come to an end for them against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. But even if the Bucks lose, it will still feel as if they are just getting started.

Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are young, long and talented. They emerged as a threat in the Eastern Conference despite the absence of Jabari Parker, who had another season derailed by a knee operation. Thon Maker, months removed from high school, is starting at center. And Malcolm Brogdon, a second-round pick in last year’s draft, is one of the best young point guards in the league.

On Monday, Brogdon, 24, made plenty of plays for the Bucks. He shot 5 of 7 from 3-point range and scored 19 points. He defended the Raptors’ Kyle Lowry. But he also felt the full weight of the playoffs. Moments after he appeared to twist an ankle on a drive in the third quarter, Brogdon picked up his fourth foul and went to the bench. The Bucks lost by 25.

“The regular season is long,” said Brogdon, whose team trails the Raptors, 3-2, in their best-of-seven series. “But the playoffs are harder. They’re more intense. Every game counts for more. And you’re playing the same team over and over, so teams figure you out.”