Bucks Zone

Milwaukee Bucks lose Giannis and then, Game 1 to the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs

The Milwaukee Bucks got a double dose of bad news.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee BucksMiami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks’ bid for another title got off to a rocky start as they got ambushed by the Miami Heat, 130-117, in Game 1 of the best-of-seven first-round series. It was a series opener marked by a couple of significant injuries, including one to Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who hurt his back late in the first quarter after a hard fall and was unable to return. The Heat also suffered a catastrophic loss of their own as ace wingman Tyler Herro broke his right hand and will miss the rest of the first round.

Jimmy Butler took over

With the Bucks playing out of sorts after a long layoff, Heat star Jimmy Butler took advantage and had a commanding performance of 35 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.

The Bucks had not played in a week, while the starters rested even more than that, and the rust showed. The Heat were quick to take advantage of this as they built a 33-24 lead after the first quarter and even extended it to as much as 14 at 66-52. It was a disappointing start for the Bucks, who shot just 8-for-20 and committed a whopping seven turnovers in the first 12 minutes of action.

Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis step up

Khris Middleton and Grayson Allen missed the last few games of the regular season after suffering a knee injury and an ankle sprain, respectively. However, the two were back in the starting lineup and Middleton, in particular, was very impressive. He shot 12-for-20 from the field, and ended up with 33 points and nine rebounds. Portis also came off the bench and added 21 points and eight rebounds.

The Bucks will look to equalize the series in Game 2 on Wednesday, still at the Fiserv Forum. Giannis’ availability remains up in the air, although the x-rays that were done after the game showed no damage to the superstar’s back.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.