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The Milwaukee Bucks admit defense has to be a lot better to beat the Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks know their defense was lacking in Game 1 against the Miami Heat.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare for Game 2, much of the attention and talk will be about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health and subsequent availability for the rest of the first-round series against the Miami Heat. While the Bucks should be rightfully concerned about the Greek Freak’s lower back issue, they must also remember that the defense has to be a lot better if they want to advance past the first round.

Surrendered 130 points

Heat star Jimmy Butler was unstoppable in Game 1, tallying 35 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in Miami’s 130-117 win over the Bucks. While credit most definitely belongs to Butler, the fact is this is a Heat team that struggled with efficiency in putting the ball into the basket. As a matter of fact, the Heat scored 130 points or more just three times in the regular season, yet here they were, shooting 59.5% from the field against one of the fiercest defenses in the NBA.

“We gotta get some stops,” said Bucks veteran Wesley Matthews. “Can’t let the Heat go 60 percent from the field and expect to win.”

Better awareness

Early on, the Bucks played like they were in a haze, often failing to get back in transition to prevent easy Heat baskets. In a playoff setting where every missed assignment and blown coverage is magnified, Bucks All-Star Khris Middleton implored the team to be more aware on defense.

“Should have better awareness, just as simple as that,” said Middleton. “They got us a couple of times in the first half with us having poor court balance. So, we just gotta be aware. When guys take a shot, we gotta be aggressive in crashing the glass, but at the same time, we gotta do a great job getting back to set our defense.”

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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.