Andrew Buller-Russ
It didn’t matter that the Milwaukee Bucks were without MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, already facing a one-game deficit in their first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat heading into Game 2.
When you shoot 51% from three-point range while sinking 25 at that distance, you’re going to score a ton of points. The Bucks got off to a red-hot start, scoring 35 in the first quarter and 46 in the second frame, totaling 81 by halftime. They then game back after the break, still snapping nets, scoring another 37 points in the third quarter.
By the final frame, the game was already in the balance, and the Bucks took their foot off the gas. But they could afford to. The Bucks even had a 36-point lead at one point, which is not something we should see in a playoff matchup, especially by the team missing their best player.
But again, it didn’t matter who took the floor in a Bucks uniform. The bulk of the rotation, or all seven of their players who topped 25 or more minutes scored in double figures. This effort was led by Brook Lopez, who had a team-high 25 points.
Behind Lopez was Jrue Holiday, who chipped in 24 points while still dishing 11 assists. But then you also had Pat Connaughton sinking 6-of-10 threes for 22 points off the bench, coupled with Joe Ingles adding 17 points, hitting 5-of-6 shots from distance. Their 25 makes from three-point land set a new team record, topping the 22 made back in 2021, also against the Heat.
With their two-time MVP sidelined by injury, the Bucks didn’t even flinch. Yet this only ties the series at one win apiece. We’ll now see the matchup head to Miami for Game 3 on Saturday.
