Milwaukee Bucks’ Record-Setting Night Against the Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks retaliated to Miami Heat for a loss in the playoffs last year pretty severely, inflicting the team from Florida a 47-point loss tonight.

The final result of the massacre at American Airlines Arena was 144-97 for the guests, who dropped 29 three-pointers, setting a new NBA record.

“Some nights, the basketball gods are with you a little bit, and it’s probably one of those nights for us,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

The Bucks not only scored the most threes in history, but also had a remarkable percentage, hitting 56.9% of their 51 attempts. They surpassed the Houston Rockets’ record from 2019, which stood at 27 downtown baskets against the Phoenix Suns.

Budenholzer’s crew had a massive motive as they wanted to send a message to one of their biggest conference rivals that they won’t forget what happened last year. Also, once you beat a direct opponent with almost 50 points in his own arena, that definitely brings a mental edge in future matches.

An interesting situation from this event is that Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t score a single three and that the reigning back-to-back NBA MVP was the only one in the Bucks’ team without a three-pointer. All other players scored at least once from long distance, including his brother Thanasis who made his first-ever NBA three.

The newcomer from New Orleans, Jrue Holiday, was 6-of-10, Donte DiVincenzo 5-of-6, and Khris Middleton ended with four hits in five shots. The All-Star forward had a game-high 25 points, with five assists. Holiday stopped at 24 with seven dimes, while Di Vincenzo scored 17 in 19 minutes.

Giannis was one-digit, with nine points, six boards, and six assists, adding three steals as well.

“I think that shows the trust in Giannis that he doesn’t have to put his head down and try to create the offense himself,” Middleton said about Antetokounmpo’s scoring. “He realizes that he has shooters around him… he can find that open man.”

As for the game flow, everything was evident in the first few minutes, with Milwaukee generating a 10-0 lead right at the start, and winning the first period 46-26. It was 82-51 at the halftime, with the guests refusing to slow down but continuing to smash the rivals, fueled by the last year’s playoff frustration.

We’ll see how Miami responds, as they have a chance to erase this humiliation already on Wednesday night. The Bucks are staying in town for the second of back-to-back nights against the Heat. Their players are aware of the situation and are ready to come out and try to redeem for Tuesday’s humiliation. This was the second-highest defeat in the franchise’s history.

“Tomorrow, we’re going to have to come out with a lot more energy, or we’re going to get embarrassed again,” Herro said.

The youngster was the best scorer in Miami, with 23 points, adding 7 assists too. Kendrick Nunn had 15 and Avery Bradley 14 points. Goran Dragic played two 10 minutes, scoring two buckets.

Jimmy Butler is questionable for this match due to his ankle injury.

After this match, the Heat have a trip to Dallas to meet the Mavericks on January 1, and after that, play with the OKC Thunder at home three days later.

Milwaukee hosts the Chicago Bulls on January 1, starting a five-game homestand, which continues with back-to-back games against the Pistons.