Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from season series against Miami Heat

Milwaukee Bucks struggled to break down Heat’s interior defense in season series

As the Bucks took a slip back on the defensive end, especially to the lofty standing they achieved under Budenholzer’s first two seasons, the Heat eclipsed them in one key department.

Miami led the league by allowing 41.3 opponent paint points per game this season. With a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Bam Adebayo manning the middle and the Heat’s tenacious team defending on lock as it always has been under coach Erik Spoelstra, the Heat made greater strides on that side of the ball than they had for much of last season.

That certainly showed what they are capable of when it comes to blocking off the paint to the Bucks this season. Milwaukee averaged 37.3 paint points in the three meetings against the Heat this season.

Clearly, the Bucks were able to overcome going up against such a stout defensive unit this year as well as some erratic performances by Antetokounmpo. Given that the two-time MVP is the primary source of the Bucks’ paint production, 28 of Antetokounmpo’s 50 total points against the Heat came within the painted area this season.

When Milwaukee’s offense is at their best, they’re able to attack within the heart of the opposing defense, all of which opens up easier looks from those standing from beyond the arc. If the Bucks aren’t able to get the kind of paint and rim pressure they need to dissect Miami’s vaunted interior defense, they’ll have to hold on tight to hold off the Heat and avoid a repeat performance from last year’s playoffs.

We’re only just scratching the surface of the Bucks’ first round series with the Miami Heat, so be sure to be on the look out for more pieces previewing this upcoming rematch.