The 5 Best Miami Heat Performances of 2023
By Wes Goldberg
3. Jimmy Butler out-duels Giannis in Game 5
The Heat were leading the top-seeded Bucks 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was desperate and threatening. After missing games 2 and 3 with a back injury, Giannis had returned in Game 4 and had a 26-point, 13-assist, 10-rebound triple-double in a narrow Milwaukee loss. A win at home against the Heat in Game 5 could have set the table for a comeback series win. Giannis acted accordingly, recording 38 points and 20 rebounds in a dominant performance suitable for the former MVP. Only Butler was better: 42 points on 51.5% shooting, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in 46 minutes, including 14 points in the fourth quarter to win the game and complete one of the biggest upsets in playoff history.
Revisit: 15 thoughts on the Heat’s stunning win to eliminate the Bucks