Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 factors and Bryn Forbes led Milwaukee’s scorching begin from 3-point vary because the Bucks trounced the Miami Warmth 132-98 to increase their lead on this first-round playoff sequence
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 factors and Bryn Forbes led Milwaukee’s scorching begin from 3-point vary because the Bucks trounced the Miami Warmth 132-98 on Monday night time to increase their lead on this first-round playoff sequence.
Milwaukee shot 22 of 53 from 3-point vary – together with 15 of 29 within the first half – and by no means trailed whereas main by as many as 36 factors. The Bucks’ 22 3-pointers had been their highest complete ever in a playoff recreation.
Forbes scored 22 factors and went 6 of 9 on 3-point makes an attempt.
“A number of instances, there’s simply a lot expertise within the league and so many good groups, generally you get the early lead and issues simply occur and it turns into an in depth recreation,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned. “Right now we had been in a position to hold the main focus.”
The Bucks personal a 2-0 lead within the best-of-7 sequence as they try and oust the workforce that beat them 4-1 within the second spherical final yr. Recreation 3 takes place Thursday in Miami.
Milwaukee’s two victories on this season couldn’t have appeared way more completely different.
The Bucks wanted Khris Middleton’s tiebreaking jumper with 0.5 seconds left in additional time to drag out a 109-107 victory in Recreation 1, which neither workforce ever led by greater than eight factors. Milwaukee basically put away Recreation 2 within the first quarter as its 3-point assault went from fizzling to scorching.
“They’re a fantastic first-quarter workforce,” Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned. “This recreation received out of hand rapidly.”
Milwaukee had shot 5 of 31 from behind the arc and made its fewest 3-pointers of the season Saturday. The Bucks had been 10 of 15 on 3-point makes an attempt within the first quarter alone Monday.
“Guys have gotten to shoot it with confidence,” Budenholzer mentioned. “They have to let it fly. They have to know they are going to get 3’s. I believe the exercise offensively, the assault, can create beauty for us. We have simply received to proceed to let it fly while you’re open.”
The Bucks led 46-20 on the finish of the primary quarter and 78-51 at halftime as they posted the very best first-half level complete of their playoff historical past.
The most well liked shooter on the ground was Forbes, who signed with Milwaukee in November after spending 4 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. Forbes got here off the bench to attain 14 factors within the first quarter whereas taking pictures 5 of 6 total and 4 of 5 on 3-pointers.
Middleton completed with 17 factors and Pat Connaughton had 15 whereas taking pictures 5 of 9 from past the arc. Antetokounmpo had 13 rebounds and 6 assists to associate with his 31 factors.
Jrue Vacation’s 15 assists had been one off the Bucks playoff report that’s shared by Paul Pressey and Oscar Robertson. Vacation additionally had 11 factors and 7 rebounds.
Miami’s Dewayne Dedmon had 19 factors and 9 rebounds to steer the Warmth in each classes. Goran Dragic had 18 factors and Bam Adebayo added 16.
TIP-INS
Warmth: Trevor Ariza and Kendrick Nunn picked up flagrant-one fouls on separate performs within the third quarter. Goran Dragic obtained a dead-ball technical foul later within the interval. Ariza’s got here after an unsuccessful try to forestall an Antetokounmpo layup. Each gamers fell to the ground on the play, and Ariza appeared put his palms Antetokounmpo’s chest and waist space whereas getting up. Nunn’s foul was towards Middleton.
Bucks: Milwaukee’s 10 3-pointers within the opening interval tied a playoff report for 3-pointers in 1 / 4. The Cleveland Cavaliers made 10 3-pointers within the second quarter of a 123-98 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Could 4, 2016. … Milwaukee outrebounded the Warmth 61-36. The Bucks had a 64-51 edge on the glass in Recreation 1. … In addition to the Bucks shot from past the arc Monday, this didn’t strategy their finest 3-point efficiency towards the Warmth this season. They made an NBA-record 29 3-pointers in a 144-97 victory at Miami on Dec. 29.
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Observe Steve Megargee at https://twitter.com/stevemegargee
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Extra AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports activities
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