Recap
With the season on the line, the Miami Heat looked to hold off the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Saturday afternoon. They hoped to contain two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Heat had dug themselves into a quite sizable hole going down three games to zero against a Bucks team that was out for revenge from last year. In the end, the Heat put in a great effort and showed immense grit, but ultimately fell up short as their season ended in a heartbreaking 4-0 sweep.
Butler Struggles
Simply put, Jimmy Butler did not look like what we came to know and love in last year‘s finals run. The superstar only put up a combined 58 points over the entirety of the four-game series with Milwaukee. Moreover, the veteran leader tried to get it done on the defensive end to make up for the offensive struggles. However, this effort was not enough to contain Giannis and the high-flying Milwaukee Bucks. Young phenom Tyler Herro also struggled throughout these past four games, scoring only 14 points in Saturday’s match-up and nine in the previous game. As a whole, the Miami Heat looked outgunned and out-hustled over the entire series which will be an off-season focus for Coach Spoelstra and the rest of the roster.
Bam Shined
Center Bam Adebayo was the one shining part of the series; being the defensive anchor that the Miami Heat so desperately needed. Adebayo put up 20 points and 14 rebounds while “leading the troops” on the defensive side of the bar.
What’s Up Next
The Miami Heat look to bounce back next season. Hopefully the Heat return to the gritty and defensive-minded team that we are accustomed to. Miami’s off-season is expected to be one filled with lots of training and honestly minimal front-office moves. While the Heat season might be over and done with, it is surely nothing to be disappointed about. The team struggled with injuries all season and was rarely fully healthy.