The most talked-about moment in this second-round series came when Giannis Antetokounmpo followed coach Bud’s game plan and decided to not guard Jimmy Butler during the final minutes of Game 1. It proved to be a crucial moment and turned out to be costly for the Bucks. Giannis received plenty of trash for it, but late in Game 3, he decided to lock down Butler.
During a moment in the fourth quarter, Butler broke loose from Giannis, who unsuccessfully chased him to the rim to only watch Butler score a layup. This swift move by Butler raised Miami’s lead, which in turn hyped the bench up.
Butler himself was enjoying the matchup against Giannis and his brief triumph over him. After successfully scoring against Giannis, Butler turned towards the Bucks bench and yelled, “He can’t guard me.”
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Jimmy Butler scores on Giannis in clutch, looks right at the Bucks bench and says “He cant guard me.” pic.twitter.com/uruqgcvFdS
— Jimmy Wobler (@WorldWideWob) September 5, 2020
Well, that is the attitude one can expect from Jimmy Butler when he says he’s locked into a series. His fiery fourth quarter saw him putting up 17.0 points and outscoring the entire Bucks team by four points. The Heat have secured a huge 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semis, against the best team in the NBA. Can they sweep the Bucks and send them home early?
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 5, 2020
Giannis Antetokounmpo caught Bam Adebayo sleeping in defense
Bam Adebayo has been spectacular in defense, restricting Giannis Antetokounmpo from scoring big in their second-round playoff series in the Eastern Conference. The 23-year-old forward is proving to be the worst nightmare for Giannis, but the reigning MVP caught Bam sleeping on the defensive end with a wonderful dime to Donte DiVincenzo in Game 3.
Giannis stayed very much quiet in the first half of the game, failing to make an impact for his team. But the 25-year-old found his form in the second half and played his way to a double-double.
During the early minutes of the fourth quarter, the Bucks controlled the pace of the game. Giannis tried to get into the groove after the break and found some success. With ten minutes on the clock, Giannis was in possession of the ball just behind the free-throw line.
As the entire Miami defense switched their focus towards Antetokounmpo, he had to play out a different scenario other than his powerful drive. Four men surrounded the Bucks forward, who then devised a tremendous pass to assist his teammate for the bucket.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, DiVincenzo’yu güzel görüyor. 👀#NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/4LSoIXQ8KE
— Clutch Time (@ClutchPage) September 5, 2020
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Giannis produced a stunning dime, and also caught Bam Adebayo off-guard, who was paying attention elsewhere on the court. The reigning MVP spotted DiVincenzo running in against a diverted Adebayo, who had no chance of reaching the pass.
He likes his pasta al dente. pic.twitter.com/mRq6cNTP0c
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) September 5, 2020
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DiVincenzo got the ball, completed an easy layup to maintain the Bucks’ lead in the game. However, it didn’t last long as the Heat rallied back to clinch Game 3. This has put the Bucks on the verge of humiliation.