Eastern Conference Semis…
The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks opened up their Eastern Semifinal on Monday night.
Milwaukee looked to be in control after the first quarter. However, thanks to some improved defense over the final three quarters (only giving up 64 points over that span), and holding Giannis Antetokounmpo to only 18 points, Miami was able to claw back into the game.
Led by Jimmy Butler’s 40 points, a playoff career high, and 27 points from Goran Dragic, Miami was able to take game 1, 115-104.
In order for Miami to knock off the Bucks, their defense is going to have to control Antetokounmpo’s scoring like they did in game one. When the Bucks needed his scoring the most in the court quarter, Giannis only took four shots and scored just 2 points.
In contrast, Jimmy Butler, who was scoring all night long, took control in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points when Miami needed it most.
If Miami can continue with controlling Antetokounmpo’s scoring output, success should follow. However, keeping the reigning MVP under control is going to be easier said than done.
