Game 1 Reaction: Heat Lose to Bucks

Game 1 of the Miami Heat–Milwaukee Bucks series was about as physical as we all expected. Even with their top two players having bad games, Miami stayed close with Milwaukee throughout the whole game. There were a total of 17 lead changes and six ties, with the majority of the lead changes coming in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Khris Middleton‘s go-ahead basket with 0.5 seconds left sealed the deal. The Bucks now have a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2.

With that said, here are my takeaways from Saturday’s loss to Milwaukee.

Duncan’s early offense

Duncan Robinson is a huge part of the Heat’s offense. And he showed why early on in the game. With his teammates looking for him early, Robinson opened the game 3-of-3 from beyond the arc. He carried the Heat from downtown. Anytime Robinson shook free, he was ready to shoot the ball. He did it off of dribble handoffs and off the catch. It was a great performance from the Heat sharpshooter.

Robinson closed the game with 24 points on 7-of-13 shooting from three.

Heat Stars Struggle

The Heat’s two all-stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler couldn’t find a rhythm on offense, as both players combined for 26 points on 8-of-37 shooting. Adebayo had nine points on 4-of-15 shooting, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Butler finished with 17 points on 4-of-22 shooting, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Both players missed a couple of easy bunnies in the paint throughout the game. While Butler was aggressive throughout the game, Adebayo started very passive and not looking to attack.

Defensively, both players made it tough for Milwaukee. However, the Heat needed more from them on offense. Look for Miami to try to get both players going in Game 2.

Oladipo Update

Before Saturday’s game, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported some optimistic news about Oladipo’s recovery. According to his surgeon Dr. Jonathan Glashow, the Heat guard could be cleared to play by November. He is very optimistic the former all-star will be ready to go next season. Oladipo had surgery to repair his right quadriceps tendon on May 13th. He was traded at the deadline to Miami but only appeared in four games for the Heat.

Related: Heat vs. Bucks Preview

Next up: Game 2 on Monday. The game tips off at 7:30 pm ET.