Heat Could Not Complete Comeback Against Bucks

        The Heat are coming off back-to-back losses against the Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves. There was a lot of anticipation heading into this game given everything that happened this offseason. Tyler in trade rumors, Damian Lillard wanting to be in Miami but ending up in Milwaukee and the first-round series. While it is only the fourth game of the regular season for Miami, this was a big game given recent events. 

        Miami just struggled to get some offense going especially from Jimmy Butler. Butler only scored 13 points shooting 4 for 11 from the field (36%) and 1 for 2 from 3 point range (50%). By now Heat fans should now Jimmy is one of, if not, the biggest troll in the NBA and during the early span of the regular season you notice he isn't really trying. It is also worth mentioning that Bam Adebayo did not play in this game and was ruled out with a hip injury, he is listed as day-to-day. The Heat are a heavily focused defensive team and playing without the anchor of their defense makes it more challenging to win games. 

        The Wisconsin native, Tyler Herro, has been playing with a chip on his shoulder very early into the regular season. He mentioned before the season that his goal is to make his name "untouchable" in trade talks given how many times he has been linked to one trade rumor after another in his young NBA career. One of Tyler's weaknesses has been his defense and this past summer he has added a ton of muscle which has been helping him so far into this season. This game was different for him because of the hand injury he suffered from in Game 1 of the first-round series against the Bucks and of course Damian Lillard. Tyler scored 35 points shooting 12 of 21 from the field (57%) and 2 of 5 from 3 point range (40%), 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. The Bucks lead this game by as many as 25 points and Herro led the way in helping to close the gap but it wasn't enough. 

        Giannis Antetokounmpo is still a force to be reckon with. The Heat simply did not have an answer for him especially with Bam Adebayo sidelined. The Greek Freak went off for 33 points shooting 12 of 21 from the field (57%), 1 of 3 from 3 point range (33%), 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a block. Damian Lillard did not have the strongest offensive night, while he did shoot 7 of 14 from the field (50%) he also went 2 for 7 from 3 point range (29%). Lillard finished the game scoring 25 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. 

        The Miami Heat are now 1-3 in their first four regular season games. However it is important to keep in mind that the Heat are not at full strength as they just got Josh Richardson back and are now awaiting the return of Haywood Highsmith, who was highly impressive during preseason. Also the schedule was already a crazy one to begin the regular season by having to play three games in four nights on the road. The Heat will begin a three-game homestead against the Nets, Wizards and Lakers. None are back-to-back and there is a three day gap between the Wizards and Lakers. The Heat will need to make up for the disappointing road trip.