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Eric WoodyardESPN
Snow fell from the sky in Milwaukee, but on Tuesday night in Miami, the Bucks rained it from outside the arc.
Milwaukee set the NBA record for three points on the field, with 29, in a 144-97 victory over the Heat.
The only Bucks player to play in the game and not hit a trey was the reigning MVP and defensive player of the year Giannis Antetokounmpo. His nine points were his worst since December 22, 2018, when he also posted nine points at AmericanA Airlines Arena, then in a Bucks loss.
Two years later, the results were very different, as the Bucks blew out the Heat on the first night of a rugby series in Miami. Their 47-point victory equates to the third-largest over a defending conference champion, according to ESPN Stats & Information. It also equates to Miami’s biggest home loss in team history.
“Some nights the basketball gods are a little bit with you, and that’s probably one of the nights for us,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.
Milwaukee finished 29-for-51 (56.9%) from behind the arc in the biggest win in franchise history.
Sam Merrill scored Milwaukee’s record 28th tries at 6:07 in the fourth – which set the 27-point mark the Houston Rockets set on April 7, 2019 against the visiting Phoenix Suns – but only found out what he did after the final buzzer.
“It’s exciting. Coincidentally being in the right place at the right time made it a coincidence,” he said. ‘The way we shot it Sunday night [in a 20-point loss against the Knicks], we felt like we were going to have a great shooting night tonight. It’s pretty crazy like everyone shot it, so it was a lot of fun. ‘
Miami played without leader Jimmy Butler, who was ruled out with a right ankle strain. Milwaukee native Tyler Herro led the Heat with 23 points and seven assists.
All Star wing Khris Middleton continued his strong start for the Bucks with 25 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds on 10-for-13 shooting while hitting 4-of-5 3s. Middleton averaged 26.7 points through the first four games.
“It’s great to see, but I think it shows the confidence in Giannis that he doesn’t have to put his head down and try to create the offense himself,” Middleton said. “He realizes he has shooters around him.” If these guys see a crowd or two, three guys around him, he can find that open man. ‘
In addition to the tough defense, Jrue Holiday added 24 points with seven assists while being 6-for-10 on 3s. Brook Lopez hit three tries with 14 points.
As the Bucks (2-2) neared the end of the fourth quarter, both Middleton and Lopez got the chance through a power and conditioning coach on the sidelines.
Although the victory was more important, it was a wonderful moment to experience together.
“I’ll be honest, I crossed a little bit because it’s a cool record, but I was just happy to see all our guys click, move and selflessly share the ball and get the ball in,” Lopez said. .