The Miami Heat’s key-reserves gave them a shot, but that wasn’t enough to steal one from Milwaukee in Game 1.
Miami’s top marksman in Duncan Robinson (24 points) and their most trusted key veteran reserve in Goran Dragic (25) led the Heat in scoring, as both players combined for eight of the Heat’s only points scored in the overtime period. It just wasn’t enough, even though they were very dependable options throughout the entire night.
In hindsight, a Game 1 win for the Miami Heat would’ve stolen home-court from the third-seeded Bucks, as well as plenty of momentum. There were glimpses in Game 1 of that competitive and relentless team that was prepared for another sensational postseason run.
Since then though, the series has moved forward but without the Heat, it seems. Miami now has increased pressure to keep those hopes alive, as impossible as that may seem or be.
The Heat’s mindset shouldn’t be to look back on previous losses and it won’t be. A right-now mentality heading into Game 4 is needed and they should be adamant about it, with nothing short of the intent to win.
However, it’s without question that Game 1’s performance was the best they’ve played so far in this series. It’s also without question that since then, they just haven’t been able to replicate it.
We’ve seen some of the most unlikely NBA comebacks in league-history though and the Heat still have an opportunity to prevent, at the very minimum, a Bucks sweep. It’s one game at a time for real, at this point, so let’s just see if they can get one.