Bucks convert 25 3-pointers to equal NBA playoff record in Game 2 with a win over Heat sans Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Milwaukee Bucks made NBA history with their 138-122 win over the Miami Heat in Game 2 Wednesday night. The Bucks were without two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with a back contusion, but they overcame his absence by putting down 25 long-range shots together. That number set an NBA playoff record.
Seven different Milwaukee players combined with at least one treble in the win, led by Pat Connaughton, who had six, while Joe Ingles added five of his own. The Bucks as a team shot 51 percent from long range and outplayed the Heat by 27 points from deep. That was obviously a major factor in the outcome of the competition.
The shooting mark wasn’t the only postseason record the Bucks set with their win. They also had six players who scored over 15 points, which was a playoff record per ESPN. The win allowed the Bucks to level the series 1-1 before being moved to Miami for Games 3 and 4.
Obviously, the Bucks would have preferred to have Antetokounmpo available. Still, the fact that they could win without him thanks to contributions from both top and bottom of the squad could be an advantage going forward.
“We don’t want him to get hurt but it’s still the next man’s mentality,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said. “We have enough talent on this team to cover for him until he comes back or possibly comes back.”
If the Bucks can continue to light it from across the arc with Antetokounmpo back in the lineup, the Heat – and the rest of the league – will be in trouble.
