The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of a poor 127-110 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday as they gear up to face the Miami Heat on Monday night at Fiserv Forum.
The last time the Bucks saw the Heat, it was in the first round of playoffs where Miami was able to kick the Bucks out in five games. Some could say this game is going to be a rematch of last season’s playoff duel.
It was a rough night from Milwaukee from the jump, and they couldn’t seem to ever get a lead on Atlanta. Defensive efforts were poor, and new superstar Damian Lillard only scored six points all night.
Keys for a Bucks Victory
Play With More Intensity
The first round exit last season caused a massive stir-up in the 414, with the team saying goodbye to coach Mike Budenholzer and bringing in Adrian Griffin.
Apart from trying to get redemption on the Heat, the Bucks are looking to come back from what some would say was a very poor performance against the Hawks, who got their first win of the season on Sunday.
Damian Lillard had a “flat” shooting night against Atlanta. He was a woeful 2-12 from the field, and committed six turnovers. After a superb debut on Thursday against the Sixers where he scored 39 points, Lillard just wasn’t able to find a groove and get past the Atlanta defense; The Hawks were able to hold him scoreless in the second half.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 26 points, and 11 rebounds. Malik Beasley, who’s been on fire so far added on 18 points.
Don’t Turn the Ball Over
Related: Previewing the Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee had WAY too many turnovers vs Atlanta. In that game, they turned the ball over 23 times. Lillard was a big contributor to the turnovers, allowing six.
If Milwaukee can keep their turnovers down they tend to be able to stay in games longer. Milwaukee needs to make crisp passes and move better without the ball. If the Bucks can avoid making costly turnovers, they should be able to win this game.
Rebound the Basketball
Milwaukee led the league last season in total team rebounds. This season, so far, they are tied for 21st.
When the Milwaukee Bucks control the glass they control the tempo of the game. As a team they need to control the tempo of the game. Just like in the blocked shots category, Giannis also leads the team in rebounds with 11.5 per game.
Related: Previewing the Bulls and Pacers
The Miami Heat’s Heating Up
Jimmy Butler is expected to be suited up and on the court for Miami on Monday after his absence against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler has been a bona fide star for Miami. The 34-year-old has had a wonderful NBA career, though Butler’s career stats against Milwaukee are not strong (15/4/4).
Both Butler and Bam Adebayo are a duo to be messed with, some could compare to Giannis and Dame. They’re able to break down a team in many ways, and Milwaukee will need to take caution when it comes to Adebayo and his play-making on the court.
Tyler Herro, the Whitnall High School graduate, is back and healthy. He’ll look to shoot his trademark “elbow free throw 18 footer” against Milwaukee. The 23 year old is projected to average over 20 points a game this season.
The Heat, just like the Bucks are looking to make it to the Eastern Conference finals and eventually towards the NBA championship. With Miami already having two losses on the season, it’s still pretty early, but it will be something they need to come back from in order to prove themselves to be dominant this season.
Fun Facts to Tell Your Friends:
- In Milwaukee’s 55 year franchise history they have won 17 division titles.
- Milwaukee Bucks fan R. D. Trebilcox, was awarded a new car for his part in reasoning why the Bucks was a good nickname for the team upon its creation, saying that bucks were “spirited, good jumpers, fast and agile.”
- The Bucks only won 26 games in their inaugural season. Then, after winning a coin flip to be able to draft Lew Alcindor with the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee won 56 games in their second season.
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