Miami Heat vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 1 Review 

The Heat played two games last week to move on in the Play-In Tournament, while the Bucks sat back and got a lot of rest. However, maybe the momentum helped. 

The Heat jumped out to a nine-point lead at the end of the first quarter and held a 68-55 lead at halftime. The biggest story of the game (and of the playoffs so far) is the status of Giannis Antetkounmpo. 

The Bucks star left the game after playing just 10 minutes following a hard fall on a blocking foul by Kevin Love, a play that has fueled discussions about potentially banning the charge. 

Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (lower back contusion) will not return to Game 1 of Bucks-Heat, per @ShamsCharania.

Giannis sustained the injury on this collision with Kevin Love in the 1st quarter 🤕pic.twitter.com/ep8RFTvVfD

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 16, 2023

Antetokounmpo did not return, although all reports on Monday suggested that he could play in Game 2. If he is out, it will be a massive blow for the Bucks, and a 2-0 deficit would be difficult to overcome with the next two games being played in South Beach. 

In Antetokounmpo’s absence, Khris Middleton stepped up with 33 points and Jrue Holiday added 16 points with 16 assists. Bobby Portis played 26 minutes off the bench and added 21 points with 8 rebounds in the loss. 

Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 35 points and 11 assists and Bam Adebayo had 22 points and 9 rebounds. Four Heat starters had double figures, but Tyler Herro broke his hand and is expected to be sidelined for the next month, at minimum. 

With Herro out, it will likely be Kyle Lowry who shifts back to the starting lineup and Erik Spoelstra will need to tinker with the rotation once again.