First Round Recap: Heat vs. Bucks

The Winners: Miami Heat 4-0Heat Grade: A-

The big three swiftly made use of the broom in Milwaukee solidifying their first sweep since they joined forces in South Beach. The most impressive takeaway from this series win was the fact that they won in every way possible.

James satisfied with the sweep

Game 1: The Reserves   

Miami got a huge contribution from their reserves. The Heat bench scored 43 points including 20 from Ray Allen. This propelled them to outscore the Bucks by 16 in the second half. Wondering how much the Bucks bench contributed? 25.

Game 2: Defense

Miami held the Bucks to 86 while keeping both Brandon Jennings (7) and Monta Ellis (8) under ten points. They also received major support from Birdman with 10 points and 6 boards in 12 minutes. 

Miami's perimeter defense stifled the Bucks forcing them to shoot 4-18 from deep. Along with that it didn't hurt that the Bucks beat themselves up at the free throw line (58.8%) while the Heat uncharacteristically converted time after time at the line (84.6%)

Game 3: From Behind

Milwaukee led the heat by 9 at the end of the first and by 2 at the half. Then the Heat woke up, went on a 23-7 run, and dominated the second half. Also Allen's return to Milwaukee was historic as he set the record for career playoff three-points field goals en route to 23 points.

Game 4: Without Wade

With Wade sidelined the Heat completed the sweep. Lebron James' dynamic play (30 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) and Ray Allen's sharp shooting (4-7 3pt, 16 points) made up for absence of Wade. 

Miami has again proven why they are the championship favorites. They will get about a week of rest and will be well rested to deal with the Bulls/Nets...but most likely the Bulls.

The Losers: Milwaukee Bucks 0-4

Bucks Grade: D+

Giacomo Casanova once said, “Strength without self-confidence is useless.” Who would have though that self-confidence without talent would be equivalently useless.

Brandon Jennings prediction: Bucks in six

What actually happened: 

The Bucks put up a strong fight but it was obvious that Miami was just the better all around team. The Bucks had the confidence, hustle, and will, but they failed to find any offense outside of Jennings and Ellis.

Milwaukee failed to get consistent production (on offense) and failed to reach 92 in all four of their games. This leaves major questions surrounding the team. Mainly, who will be brought back, and who needs to be let go. The trade for J.J. Redick did not translate well in the playoffs and he will be an unrestricted free agent this off-season, but that is besides the main point.

The Bucks are just not good enough

They still gave a concerted effort for a playoff team with a losing record. With only 2 wins in the playoffs since 1990, hopefully the young team can learn from this and come back stronger next year.