Miami Heat 2020-21 Season Rewind: Payback Over Milwaukee Bucks
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat 2020-21 Season Rewind: Payback Over Milwaukee Bucks
It was all-out from the start, though an all-out rock fight.
First Half
In an attempt to contain the Bucks’ penetration and perimeter shooting, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra would emphasize a defensive approach — inserting veterans, Andre Iguodala and Avery Bradley, into the starting lineup.
The Heat operated in a 3-2 zone defense to open the first quarter, while the Bucks ran a traditional man-to-man. Miami was forced into committing ten turnovers, as Milwaukee came away with seven steals in the opening period.
Jrue Holiday continued to harass the Heat offense on the perimeter, as he disrupted nearly every action the Heat could possibly think of. A relatively slow-start for both teams, Miami would eventually find their offensive strides from their second-unit.
Key reserve, Goran Dragic, led all scorers with six points, as the Heat ended the first quarter on an 11-0 run. Although, none of it came after this early-season highlight from second-year guard, Kendrick Nunn.
Kendrick Nunn yams this on Portis 😲 pic.twitter.com/JizznD9oca
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 31, 2020
In the second quarter, turnovers were once again an issue for the Heat. The Bucks defense continued to pressure the ball, coming up with deflections.
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Miami struggled to make shorter pass connections, as there were several possessions where teammates lacked the effort of coming towards the ball. On the defensive end, the Heat had miscommunications in the zone and began to allow more wide open looks for the Bucks.
Up 56-44 and with under two minutes remaining in the half, Milwaukee was 7-11 from the three-point line and 15-29 (51 percent) overall. Bam Adebayo, the Heat’s best available player, would begin to cut into the Bucks’ lead — as he scored 10 points in the second, his most of any period.
It included a filthy hesitation and crossover dribble against the, then reigning, two-time Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player Of The Year, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
One of Bam's finest offensive possessions comes against Giannis. pic.twitter.com/mVSR64RyE1
— Couper Moorhead (@CoupNBA) December 31, 2020
Adebayo led all scorers with 14 at the half, as Goran Dragic followed with 13. The Heat held a 25-23 edge in the rebounding category, despite being down 56-51 to Milwaukee.
For the Bucks, it was a quiet first half for both Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, as they combined for only 10 points on just 4-13 shooting.