Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Run: Bucks vs Heat Game 1
Photo from NBA.
Adu Reghuram
At the beginning of the past two decades, we have seen a scrawny team built around an offense without much firepower compete with an Eastern conference surrounded with powerhouse teams. Elimination after elimination after elimination. Although since 2017, our track record in the play-offs has drastically improved. Then in 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks did something that shocked the nation. The title run two years ago left a big impact on the franchise as “History has been made.”
Welcome Bucks fans and welcome to a series I am very excited to write . The playoffs hold a strong value to myself as the thrill and exuberance leaves not only the stadiums shaking, but spectators as well. Not only has our team maintained a healthy roster, but we are the one seed competing with the eight seed (Miami Heat). Today, I would like to go over the tragic loss including statistics and the big takeaways in yesterday's match.
Takeaways Of Yesterday’s Game
Giannis tried his best to return, but it just wasn’t in the cards. The fall he took was not a pleasurable sight to see. He returned not looking and playing at his best. The Bucks are obviously thinking about the remainder of the series by sitting him. Allowing the Heat to steal a game at home makes things a lot more difficult in the series.
Despite the Heat’s strength in shooting from players such as Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler, the Heat have been struggling from beyond the arc during the regular season. However, the Heat have turned the tides around as they shot lights out in game one. It makes us ask the question, how does playoff pressure play a role in performance?
Bam Adebayo has caught a lot of flack the second half of the season and struggled in the first quarter. All of a sudden, he bounced back in the last three quarters. Bam is a player who can be heavily influential on both sides of the court.
Statistics
Khris Middleton was the Milwaukee Bucks’ leading scorer with 33 points as he shot 30% from the arc with a 60% field goal rate. Along with his scoring fiesta, he had 4 assists and 9 rebounds. It was such a shame and devastation to witness Middleton go down with his knee injury a couple weeks ago. I am sure I can speak for everyone when I say we are glad he is back.
On the other hand, Jimmy Butler was the Miami Heat’s leading scorer with 35 points with a 63% field goal rate. Along with his scoring clinic, he had 5 rebounds and 11 assists. When we talk about the most impactful player in this series, Jimmy Butler's name may take the spot. What do you guys think?
Weakness of the Heat
The Miami Heat rank highly in almost every single category, however, they struggle rebounding wise. Their roster is not built in terms of size but rather skill. This is something the Bucks should take advantage of.
Conclusion
The Bucks have swept the Miami Heat before. While this is true, the Heat have also beat us. We have pulled many comebacks and our roster is experienced. In my perspective, I believe this series will be over in 6 games as we will bounce back!
