Miami Heat 103-94 Milwaukee Bucks
The Miami Heat did the unthinkable as they completed the biggest upset of this NBA 2020 season.
Despite being labeled as the underdogs in our NBA 2020 odds, the Heat managed to score a 3-1 series win over the top-seeded Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Erik Spoelstra-mentored squad shocked everyone when they jumped to a 3-0 series lead over the title favourites, and they did it through grit, passion, and superb play from every player across the board.
Jimmy Butler emerged as the best player of the series by doing work on both ends, while he got timely contributions from his teammates in Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, and Tyler Herro.
Although the Bucks lived to fight another day after Game 4, the Heat simply couldn’t be denied this time around.
Milwaukee’s championship aspirations went down the drain once more. By exiting earlier in the playoffs than expected, the barrage of Giannis Antetokounmpo rumours may loom large as they enter the offseason.
Today, let’s take a look on how the Heat sealed the deal in Game 5 with some of the best NBA 2020 highlights.
Highlights of the game
With the Bucks’ backs against the wall, it was surprising when the team decided to sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo.
But at the same time, perhaps they are simply looking out for their MVP’s long-term health since the series is over to begin with.
The Greek Freak suffered a right ankle sprain during the previous match, although that caused the Heat to relax a bit as they eventually gave Game 4 away in overtime.
But having learned the lessons from that match, the Heat looked ready and focused coming into Game 5.
It looked like the Bucks are about to extend the series despite not having Giannis Antetokounmpo in the starting lineup. Milwaukee played with a huge sense of urgency as they opened the first quarter with a 28-15 run.
Milwaukee’s promising start was fueled by Donte DiVincenzo and Wesley Matthews, who have combined for 17 points total as they hit their perimeter shots.
However, Miami answered back with a run of their own. The Heat regained the advantage in the following quarter by unleashing a 30-9 blitz, capped off by three free throws from Kelly Olynyk with less than five minutes to go in the first half.
After the halftime break, Milwaukee would try their best to not let the game slip out of their hands.
When the Heat pushed their lead to double digits via a Jae Crowder triple with 3:07 left in the third period, the Bucks unloaded a 7-0 run in less than a minute to keep it close.
In the final period, both of these teams went back and forth.
Jae Crowder continued his hot shooting night and he pushed the Heat’s lead to 12 points, but the Bucks answered back with a 6-0 run with less than four minutes left.
However, Goran Dragic would hit two midrange jumpshots to put the nail in the coffin as Miami would hold on to a victory.
Key statistics
This marks the first time that the Miami Heat will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The last time that they did so was back in 2014 led by LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade.
Miami also became the lowest seed to reach the ECF since 1999.
Six players scored in double digits for the Heat. Jimmy Butler and Goran Dragic had 17 each while Jae Crowder, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and Kelly Olynyk had 16, 14, 13, and 12 respectively.
The Heat somehow won the game despite having 21 turnovers compared to only 11 by the Bucks.
Khris Middleton led all scorers with 23 points while adding seven rebounds and six assists in the losing effort.
The last time the Bucks played a game without Giannis Antetokounmpo was back on April 28, 2013 – which also ended in a defeat against the Heat.
What’s next?
Miami will rest for a few days as they await the winner between the Celtics-Raptors series.
As for Milwaukee, a big offseason is upon them and they are expected to give Giannis Antetokounmpo a lucrative deal over the summer.
The Greek Freak has expressed his utmost commitment to the team despite the swirling rumours of him possibly leaving.
“That’s not happening. Some see a wall and go in another direction. I plow through it,” said Antetokounmpo.
Meanwhile, 15-year veteran Marvin Williams just announced his retirement from the NBA.
Do check out the ongoing Western Conference semifinals series between the Lakers-Rockets and Clippers-Nuggets as SBOTOP will always be here to give you the latest news and updates.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE BASKETBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
