Five Takeaways from Heat’s Loss to Bucks in Game 2

Giannis Antetokounmpo missing, and the Bucks not missing should sum this game up pretty well.

An offensive explosion leaves the Heat in the dust as they tie up the series 1-1.

Heat head back to Miami to protect home court.

But first, some takeaways from game 2…

#1: The Bucks insanely dominant offensive first half, the Heat’s underwhelming perimeter defense.

When it comes to describing the ways that first half went aside from listing off 81 points scored, 12 of 21 from three, and the overall energy controlling for the Bucks, there honestly was a common denominator to all of their problems: perimeter defense. After the Heat planted Max Strus on Brook Lopez in game 1, the Bucks adjusted. He completely took over early in this game inside, as the Bucks hit the 40 point mark in paint points in the first half. We can blame lack of size or the guy fronting down low, but their issues didn’t lie there. Instead it was the entry passes being made with ease after strolling right into a paint touch. When looking at the lineups they’re running, it’s clear we shouldn’t be surprised, but that’s the way Miami has gotten by in this structure. If the ball pressure isn’t there, the defense isn’t there.

#2: The interchanging spot without Tyler Herro.

To quickly zoom out from all of the specifics for a second, the Heat have had some decisions to make regarding the replacement for Tyler Herro. The early stint went to Duncan Robinson as he stepped into his starting role, and the idea of it was much better than game two’s result. No actions involved, zero shot attempts, and a pair of quick fouls as one came on a triple that went down. Victor Oladipo rotated into the bunch, and he was much better than originally expected. The question is always about stepping back from constant on-ball reps, and if his pull-ups can fall against a team that blocks off the rim. And well, they were dropping early which was a good sign. But aside from those two, many Heat fans were calling for more Kevin Love next to Bam Adebayo as they were getting blitzed in the paint. This shooting performance was what it was, but they need to find the next move.

#4: A giant downgrade in the pace department.

Talk about a tale of two games. As I sat here in game 1 describing the things that went right, a big part of that was the Heat randomly increasing pace a large amount which shifted much of their offensive looks. Getting to their initial actions, letting Jimmy Butler loose a ton, and making that four verticals deep bomb to not have to operate against the Bucks’ set defense every time down. Well, that wasn’t the case in this one. Right from the jump, I said to myself, yeah they don’t have the same transition urgency as they did the other night. Walking it down the floor, back against the shot clock more often than they wanted, and less movement as a whole. I’m not saying I expected Miami to go from one of the lowest pace teams to top of the league, but it’s about a recognition of matchup and the need for energy. Game 1 it was noticed, game 2 it was left in the past.

#4: I have some matchup questions…

After already beating the drum of the Brook Lopez paint factor, it should be noted that I didn’t have a problem with stick with that matchup. Force Brook Lopez to beat you and get off the three point line was a trial run. But the two primary Bucks players saw a new individual matchup tonight, and both seemed to have their way. Jimmy Butler on Jrue Holiday, Gabe Vincent on Khris Middleton. Why? Yeah let me be upfront, I have no idea. Holiday had a 21 point first half himself, but that wasn’t due to a matchup problem, he just found open gaps off secondary attacks. Middleton, on the other hand, liked what he saw. A skilled 3 level scorer who can play with his back to the basket now has a 6 foot guard attached to him? Well okay. It wasn’t even an out of this world Middleton performance, but the point still stands. Switching up those matchups felt odd, and I definitely wouldn’t keep that going heading into game 3.

#5: Zoom out: time for the reset.

So now that we addressed this game enough and everything that went wrong, perspective is necessary. It’s only 1 win on the road to grabbing 4. And if we’re being honest, the Heat already did their job by stealing a game in Milwaukee’s building. The two issues with that is 1) they acted like a team in game 2 that already got what they needed and 2) the guy in MVP contention should be returning pretty soon. But either way, a total reset is needed, and all the focus lands on protecting home court. They get another two day break before they get back to business, as we should monitor that knee for Butler who was rubbing it on the bench late in the third. Reset, adjust the game-plan, and control the energy again back in your own building.