Heat Snag Game One Over the Bucks; Giannis and Herro Injured

The Miami Heat (44-38) defeated the Milwaukee Bucks (58-24) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoff-opening series, 130-117.

The win gives Miami an early advantage over championship favorites.

Backed by a stellar performance from Jimmy Butler and a sizzling Heat offense, Miami found an answer after losing Tyler Herro in the first half.

Herro wasn’t the only one to go down with injuries plaguing both sides of the court.

Game 1

Facing a top-seeded Bucks lineup, the Heat’s star player had to lead the game from tip-off.

Jimmy Butler took off in the first half of the game, shooting 10 for 13 in the paint. He hit short jumpers and challenged Buck’s center Brook Lopez at the rim as he finished the half with 24 points.

Light work for Jimmy. ☕️ pic.twitter.com/5JFmo2Xmjb

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 16, 2023

Herro and Giannis Exit

In an attempt to douse the flame of a hot Heat play, Milwaukee’s star and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was ruled out in the second quarter. After scoring six points, Antetokounmpo left with a lower back contusion.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1647725735120113664?s=20

The Heat were then forced to adjust on the fly with an injury of their own. Point guard Tyler Herro suffered a broken right hand when he dove after a loose ball just before halftime.

Nobody adapted better than Butler who scored 35 points and shot 59.5% from the floor.

Tyler Herro appears to have injured his hand on this play
pic.twitter.com/rgMcISjuw3

— CatsCoverage.com (@Cats_Coverage) April 16, 2023

All Aboard the Score Train

Both teams needed major adjustments, but the Heat would respond. Kevin Love finished with 18 points on just nine shots. Caleb Martin added 15 points and put Miami in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the game.

The Heat shot 59.5% from the floor, including 60% from three-point range. They totaled 32 assists and outscored the Bucks 62-46 in the paint and 14-6 off fast breaks. They led by as many as 15 points.

The Heat were also 15 of 25 and the Bucks 11 of 45 from three-point range.

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1647747553340063745?s=20

Center Bam Adebayo stepped up for Miami, scoring 17 points in the second half to keep the foot on the gas.

He would finish with 22 points, a team-leading nine rebounds, and seven assists.

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1647764156899270658?s=20

Jimmy Cooks

Jimmy Butler would finish the game with 35 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, joining elite company.

Butler is the fourth player to record 35 points, 10 assists and three steals in multiple playoff games, joining the likes of Michael Jordan, Russell Westbrook, and Lebron James.

https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/status/1647761514135437312?s=20

Up Next

With the definite absence of Tyler Herro, and an unknown timetable for much time Giannis Antetokounmpo, this series has been turned on its head.

With Jimmy Butler at the helm and a hot hand from every player in the lineup, the Heat look to stay in the driver’s seat for the remainder of the series.

The Bucks will host the Heat in Game 2 at 9 p.m. Wednesday in Milwaukee. Game 3 of the best-of-seven game series will be Saturday in Miami.