The Miami Heat entered Monday’s night game with a 2-1 series lead. With the Milwaukee Bucks trying to tie up the series, Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury. It was all Bucks early to start the game, as they jumped to a 15-5 lead. Antetokounmpo was aggressive with his drives and setting up open looks for teammates. Miami struggled to get their offense going and was heavily dependent on Jimmy Butler. The Bucks led by as many as 15 points in Game 4. However, Miami showed no quit. In the end, they came back and took home the victory over the Bucks. With the win, Miami takes a commanding 3-1 series lead over Milwaukee. Here are our takeaways from the win.
Himmy Butler
Butler has been the best player so far this postseason. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Butler entered Game 4 averaging 30 points on 60% shooting from field. And he took his game to another level when his team needed it most. No one wanted this win more than him. With most of his teammates struggling, Butler took it upon himself to get going with 22 points in the first period. He was virtually unstoppable against the Bucks defenders. Simply incredible performance from the Heat star, who put up a Heat historic performance. He simply wouldn’t let his team lose this game. Butler finished the night with 56 points and nine rebounds.
Bam’s Offensive Struggles
In the first half, Bam Adebayo had only two points with two turnovers. Yes, two points. It was a frustrating night for the Heat big man, who has struggled to get into any offensive rhythm. In the first few minutes of the game, Adebayo picked up his second foul and had to sit early. When he was in the game, he was very indecisive on the offensive end. Miami made every concerted effort to get him going early. However, the shots were either short or he was careless with the ball. Milwaukee clogged the paint and it seemed to effect Adebayo’s mental. He did, however, made key defensive plays down the stretch to help Miami win. But, he has to find a way to get going for Miami to advance. Adebayo finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.
Key Role Players Step Up
As mentioned earlier, it was alot of Butler on the offensive end. But there were players who did contribute along the way. Duncan Robinson, who has been out of the rotation this season, came out firing from downtown. He looks more confident in his shooting than ever before. Haywood Highsmith entered the game when Adebayo was in foul trouble. He did all the necessary dirty work and guarded Antetokounmpo. Highsmith was everywhere on the defensive end. And then we have Caleb Martin, who has been consistent this series. Martin provided a huge energy boost off the bench. He hit timely three pointers in the fourth period and slowed down the Bucks guards. While the night belonged to Butler, it’s important to note some of the things the others did.
3-1 Series Lead
The Heat have a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Bucks. Read that again. This has been one of the most surprising playoff runs so far this postseason. With Miami playing up and down all season, who expected them to lead this series 3-1? Not many. And they’re doing this with injuries to key players. Now, they have an opportunity to advance to the second round with one more win. It most certainly won’t be easy against this Bucks team. But, we will all be watching and rooting for this Heat team to do it. Let’s Go Heat!
Next up: Game 5 on Wednesday. Game tips off at 9:30pm eastern time.
