Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 115-104 Game 1 loss to Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks continued their habit of dropping Game 1s as they opened up their second round series with the Miami Heat.

Just as they did in the first round against the Orlando Magic, and in their second round series against the Boston Celtics a year ago, the Milwaukee Bucks started their Conference Semifinals matchup by dropping Game 1 against the Miami Heat.

News of Eric Bledsoe’s unavailability due to a hamstring injury ahead of tip-off was certainly a blow for the Bucks, and one that was always going to be more keenly felt given Milwaukee’s relative lack of depth at that spot.

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That lack of depth was further highlighted as George Hill was promoted to the starting five, even opening up minutes for rarely used two-way player and G League MVP Frank Mason III behind him.

Through a 40-point offensive outburst in the first quarter, brilliant play from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez certainly gave the Bucks the best possible start given the circumstances, but that was ultimately to prove as good as it would get for Milwaukee.

With turnovers, fouls, and missed free throws plaguing Milwaukee, and a number of their lineups on the night leaving a lot to be desired, to describe the Bucks’ performance as leaving the door wide open for Miami would be an understatement.

In the end, the Heat are too good as a team, and certainly too well-coached to turn down such an opportunity, and they will be very pleased with their Game 1 victory.

With all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the key takeaways from Game 1 between the Bucks and Heat.