Milwaukee Bucks: Players that must step up in Game 2 versus Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat certainly kicked off the NBA Playoffs with a bang following a thrilling matchup Saturday afternoon.

Thanks to Khris Middleton’s tough jumper with just seconds remaining in the overtime period, the Bucks walked away with a 109-107 victory in Game 1. Middleton was Milwaukee’s star of the game by finishing with 27 points on 10-for-22 shooting while hauling in six rebounds and six assists in over 44 minutes played.

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Although the Bucks thankfully managed to secure the much-needed opening victory in this gritty down-to-the-wire finish, they will have to be better throughout the remainder of the series if they will eventually come out on top.

That includes several players that did not particularly have the best outings in the first game find some rhythm heading into the second matchup that can help them contribute to the best of their abilities.

With that being said, here are three players that must step up in tonight’s Game 2 between the Bucks and the Heat.

Bryn Forbes must step up for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 against Miami Heat

Many believed Bryn Forbes could be a massive factor in this series because of the top-tier floor spacing he provides off the Bucks’ bench.

While that could undoubtedly still prove true, he did not get off to the hot start in Game 1 that many had initially envisioned. Playing just over 14 minutes, Forbes struggled mightily to make his mark on the offensive end by scoring just five points on 2-for-5 shooting, including 0-for-3 from behind the arc. With the guard struggling to make an impact defensively most nights, his offense is what will earn him minutes in this series.

These struggles from Forbes were only heightened in this first matchup with Miami because Milwaukee shot a collective 5-for-31 from behind the arc. They desperately lacked any shooting in that opener, which is something they will need to resolve as the series progresses if they will likely see any success.

For Forbes, that means just continuing to let it fly with confidence when he gets a good look from the perimeter. Shooting a career-best 45.2 percent from 3-point territory in the regular season, the guard is certainly capable of catching fire with the basketball in his hands at any given moment and the team will need a bounce-back outing from him in tonight’s Game 2.

Shooting between these two teams could potentially determine the outcome of this series, highlighting the importance of Forbes and his floor spacing.