Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to success on the road in series vs. Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks have to hit free throws on the road in series vs. Miami Heat

As we’ve seen the game slow down so far in the playoffs and possessions become all that much more important, being able to hit free throws is key.

It’s no secret that the Bucks collectively struggled shooting free throws all season long. It’s also not a secret that the player responsible for shooting the most free throws, that being superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, has endured through tough trips at the free throw line in past playoff runs.

While Antetokounmpo has made clear strides this season in restoring his free throw shooting after finishing the regular season going 68.5 percent, he’s gone through the same highs and lows through the first two games this series.

In Game 1, not only did Giannis struggle by going 6-for-13 at the free throw line, but he was also called for a 10-second violation late in the fourth quarter, which negated an attempt. It’s easy to highlight certain areas where the Bucks could be better, but late in the game, if Giannis had converted on more of his free throws, the game may not have even gotten to overtime.

This problem, though, wasn’t just isolated to Antetokounmpo as the Bucks converted just 20 of their 32 free throws in Game 1, good for 62.5 percent. Game 2 proved to be a different story as they shot 18-for-20 from the free throw line and were led by Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, who combined to go 12-for-13 on their attempts.

These three areas will be key for the Milwaukee Bucks if they want to return to Milwaukee with a sweep of the Miami Heat and have their revenge from last season’s early playoff exit. We’ll found out what’s in store starting in Game 3 Thursday night at American Airlines Arena.