Podcast: Heat has a 2-0 lead on Bucks. Is Miami just straight-up better than Milwaukee?
After one of the wildest finishes in recent postseason history Wednesday, the Miami Heat has a stunning 2-0 series lead on the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Heat blew a nine-point lead in the last two minutes and nearly had to go to overtime after Khris Middleton hit three free throws with 4.3 seconds left, but Jimmy Butler once again saved the day, hitting two free throws with no time left on the clock to give Miami a 116-114 win at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
On the newest episode of the Heat Check podcast, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press joins David Wilson and Anthony Chiang, the Miami Herald’s Heat beat writer, from inside the 2020 NBA Bubble to break down to break down the wild finish, Miami’s undeniable depth and the latest chapter in the story of “Playoff Jimmy.”
They also try to answer the one big question: Is the No. 5-seed Heat just straight-up better than the top-seeded Bucks. The answers might surprise you.
It all starts with Butler, though. The wing scored 40 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, then scored 13 in Game 2 and, somehow, he was the hero of both. The All-Star is paving the way for Miami to either win with offense as the primary scoring option or to lead the Heat with his defense and facilitating.
Speaking of facilitating, Miami had seven players score in double figures Wednesday and it was proof of why the Heat might just be better than Milwaukee. When you can run out Slam Dunk Contest champion Derrick Jones Jr. as an emergency 10th man, your depth is unparalleled and something you can win on.
We also break down the effective ways Miami is defending superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, why the Heat still needs to get sharpshooting swingman Duncan Robinson going and the quiet effectiveness of All-Star post player Bam Adebayo throughout the NBA playoffs in Lake Buena Vista.
