Miami Heat: 3 things to watch for in Game 5 against Milwaukee Bucks

Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during overtime in Game Four. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during overtime in Game Four. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game One. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Can Goran Dragic rebound from a poor Game 4 performance, and help the Miami Heat close this series?

A large part of the Miami Heat’s successes this offseason has been the resurgence of Goran Dragic as a starting-caliber point guard. When Kendrick Nunn missed the first few days on the ground in Orlando due to a positive COVID-19 test, the starting job was suddenly up for grabs.

And Dragic’s shined in his new (old?) role. He walked into Game 4 averaging 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.4 steals over their seven (undefeated) postseason games. An uncharacteristic performance from Dragic helped to seal their fate in the loss to Milwaukee.

He finished with just 17 points on five-of-17 shooting from the floor. Without Antetokounmpo on the floor, the Bucks were able to roll out smaller lineups and hone in defensively. It proved incredibly effective in the second half, primarily against Dragic and Butler.

For the Heat to come out and effectively put away Milwaukee in Game 5, they’re going to need a rebound performance from their starting point guard. Dragic’s rise from the sixth man to starter can push this Miami team atop their competition nightly in regards to overall talent.