The Milwaukee Bucks overwhelmed the Miami Heat 113-84 on Thursday night and advanced 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs, placing the NBA runners-up to one elimination loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks, who had 17 points and 17 rebounds, could seal their classification next Saturday in the fourth game of the series, which will also be held in Miami (Florida).
Despite support from a fiery American Airlines Arena, the Heat again crashed into the Bucks defense, scoring just 36 points in the first half.
Miami stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo finished with 19 and 17 points, respectively, but only one other teammate, backup Nemanja Bjelica, also reached double digits in scoring.
The Heat finished the game with dismal percentages of 37.6% on field goals and 28.1% on 3s.
For the Bucks, guard Jrue Holiday, with 19 points and 12 assists, and guard Khris Middleton, with 22 points and 8 rebounds, were once again key both in offense and in a defense that drowned his rival.
In this way, Milwaukee caresses its revenge for the elimination at the hands of the Heat in the second round of the last playoffs, in which Miami reached the Finals, in which it lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. (GG) (AFP)