Heat Fall to Bucks 122-108 Without Jimmy Butler

In a potential first-round playoff series preview on Saturday night, the Miami Heat lost to the Bucks 122-108. Jimmy Butler was a game-time decision, but was ultimately ruled out due to tightness in his lower back. Miami needs the 31-year-old to be fresh and ready to go if they are going to make some noise during the playoffs.

The Bucks led 44-28 at the end of the first period, leading by 16 points. They saw their lead increase to 24 points in the second period, and that was basically it. The Heat rallied and cut the lead to 10 points in the third quarter, but they weren’t able to take over the lead at any point from there. Miami shot 22-of-49 from 3-point range, tying a franchise record for 3-point baskets in a game. Kendrick Nunn put together a nice game and had a season-high 31 points, despite the loss.

The Heat defeated the top-seeded Bucks in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals. They went on to win the East title before losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

With Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee, the Heat set up a likely first-round playoff matchup against the Bucks. Though, neither team is locked into that position heading into the final day of the regular season. The Heat lock into the No. 6 spot if the New York Knicks defeat the Boston Celtics on Sunday afternoon. The Bucks would lock into the No. 3 spot if the Brooklyn Nets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday as well.

Tip In’s

Duncan Robinson and Goran Dragic both added 17 points to the mix. Bam Adebayo couldn’t get things going in the scoring department, but filled up the stat sheet regardless. He finished with five points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Kris Middleton and Bryn Forbes both led the Bucks with 21 points. Jrue Holiday finished with a double-double, scoring 20 points and adding 10 assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a relatively quiet game, for a player of his caliber, as he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

What’s Next?

The Heat head to Detroit to face the Pistons on Sunday, in what will be the regular season finale.