Understanding Miami Heat’s overtime dominance
Heat beat Bucks 131-126
In just the first road game and second game overall of the season, the Miami Heat pulled off an impressive victory. Jimmy Butler was absent due to the birth of his daughter, but Miami still got the job done. Admittedly, they could have gotten the job done in regulation. They allowed Antetokounmpo a game-tying putback of a Khris Middleton heave as time expired.
With the score tied at 121, the Heat sent Goran Dragic, Tyler Herro, Justise Winslow, Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo out. They ran a man-to-man defense with Adebayo on Anetokounmpo and Winslow on Middleton.
The Bucks found the bottom of the net first, but wouldn’t score for another 3 minutes. The Heat tied it up off of two free throws from Adebayo, who made a great catch in traffic in order to take it to the rim.
Winslow and Adebayo would create havoc with the pick and roll again a minute later. Adebayo set a screen on Middleton, which caused him to switch with Brook Lopez. Winslow blew by the slower Lopez and lobbed it to Adebayo. George Hill‘s help defensive efforts were too late and Bam hit both of his free throws again.
The Heat also got two big plays from Dragic, who drew fouls twice; both were the sixth foul for each player. Right before Adedbayo gave Miami the lead, Dragic picked up Antetokoumnpo on the fast break. The undersized Dragic fronted Giannis and his effort to get in front was called a foul.
Then, with two minutes left, Dragic got into great position for a rebound, causing Hill to push off him for his sixth foul of the night. Dragic sunk one of two free throws after Hill’s foul, sunk another free throw 37 seconds later and hit a jump shot to put the Heat up by six with 56 seconds remaining.
With 20 seconds left, Middleton got fouled on a 3-point attempt and hit all three free throws. Milwaukee then fouled Dragic, who missed his free throws. Eric Bledsoe grabbed the board and took off. He had a clear path to the basket, but his shot at the rim was stuffed by Adebayo.
The Heat held on for the victory thanks to their defense. Dragic drawing offensive fouls and their scheme to switch on every screen allowed them to contest Milwaukee’s shots well. Offensively, they kept the ball moving and hit just enough foul shots to win. Dragic’s jumper was the team’s only field goal. This game still remains Milwaukee’s only home loss on the season.