By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks, even without injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, managed to send the game to overtime and beat the Miami Heat (118-115) to cut their lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals to 3-1 wins.
Kris Middleton with a big three in overtime gave the Bucks a 116-112 lead after being scoreless in the fourth quarter. Tyler Hero, with three seconds left, made it a one-point game (116-115) for Miami, but in the next possession Middleton again, this time with two free throws, secured the outcome.
It was his best game in the series with 36 points, 22 of them made in the third quarter with Giannis already out of the game. The Greek Freak, despite re-injuring his right ankle after just 11 minutes of action, managed to score 19 points and after being forced to leave the court, his teammates picked up the slack for him.
Giannis set the tone early and inspired Milwaukee to have their best game of the series. After a slow start of 1/10 shots, the rest of the Bucks responded while Giannis was limping towards the locker room.
“He came out and tried to fight for us with a bad ankle”, said Middleton after the end of the game. “We wanted to have his back and just fight for him.”
Eric Bledsoe who scored 14 points added: “He’s a true teammate, man. Even though he couldn’t stand, he stood up for us. When we got back after the game, he stood up for us. That’s the sign of a great leader. Signs of a great leader, man. He’s going to be back.”
Duncan Robinson with 20 points and Herro with 11 made key shots for Miami, Bam Adebayo had 26 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while the duo of Jimmy Butler and Slovenian Goran Dragic scored 17 points each.
Still, Miami lost the chance to complete the sweep without Giannis on the floor and Game 5 is coming on Tuesday.
Photo credit: Gettyimages