Jimmy Butler scored 40 points to lead the Miami Heat to an impressive 115-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Butler took things to another level in the second half on Monday night, dropping 27 points on Milwaukee. “Jimmy Buckets” put the team on his back in the final minutes to put the Bucks away.
JIMMY'S GOT SOME NEW MOVES! pic.twitter.com/oPSLS1FaUv
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2020
The Bucks — who entered as a five-point favorite — got off to a sizzling start, with a 40-29 lead through the first quarter. But Butler and the Heat dominated the rest of the way, outscoring Milwaukee 86-64 over the final three quarters.
Milwaukee had the NBA’s best record (56-17) this season, and they have Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s a lock to win his second straight NBA MVP award. But the Bucks have looked vulnerable in the bubble, and Antetokounmpo is having serious issues at the free-throw line, going just 4-of-12 from the charity stripe on Monday night. The Heat appear to be a very real threat for the Bucks, especially after having a one-game advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday evening (6:30 p.m. ET) in the Orlando bubble.
