The Miami Heat will need another massive Jimmy Butler showing in the first round of the 2021 playoffs.
Miami received some outstanding superstar play from Jimmy Butler in last season’s series. With a 40-point performance in Game One, Butler led the eventual Eastern Conference Champions with 23.4 points per game on 53 percent shooting, and also led both teams in total steals (9).
A total of five players averaged double-figures for the Heat in this series. With key performances from Goran Dragic, who was Miami’s second-leading scorer in the Semi-Finals with 19.8 points per game and Tyler Herro, born in Milwaukee, he continued his outstanding rookie campaign with 13.2 points on 42 percent from beyond the arc.
Now, heading into the 2021 postseason, the NBA’s highest scoring team is seeking payback and retribution for an opponent who defeated them so easily.
IN THE NBA, THE BUCKS RANK:
- First in Points (120.1 points)
- Third in Field-Goal Percentage (48.7 percent)
- Second in Rebounds (48.1)
- Eighth in Steals (8.1)
- 29th in Fewest Personal Fouls (17.3)
Both organizations have had considerable roster changes since the Semi-Finals. Miami has the losses of Crowder, Derrick Jones Jr, and more recently, Meyers Leonard and Kelly Olynyk. Milwaukee has the losses of Wesley Matthews, Kyle Korver, and George Hill.
The Bucks, however, have revamped their roster by acquiring veterans P.J Tucker, Bobby Portis, Brynn Forbes, Jeff Teague, D.J. Augustin, and former All-Star Point Guard Jrue Holiday, for what’s been an upgrade over their previous starting guard, Eric Bledsoe, now in New Orleans.
Milwaukee’s improvements at just about every position have been manifested and the Heat must prioritize in the following areas if they wish to eliminate Milwaukee once again.