via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena on March 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Miami Heat in their second-round matchup. This matchup may have seemed easy at the start of this season, but the Heat have proved everyone wrong. After surging through the Eastern Conference with their new core, the Heat swept the fourth seed Indiana Pacers in the first round. They also are undefeated against the Bucks through their two regular-season matches. They did lose to the Bucks in a bubble matchup, but the Heat were depleted.
However, it is hard to dispute that the Bucks are the best team in the league right now. They had the best record in the league and four monster wins over the Orlando Magic, after fumbling the first. This is probably the most interesting second-round matchup in the entire playoff bracket.
NBA Legend and commentator Chris Webber had this to say about the series during the LA Lakers and Portland Trailblazers game five.
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“Let me say something about that series and it’s not a cop-out. It’s just that these teams are so good. I would not be surprised the winner of that series represent the East in the Finals”
Milwaukee Bucks to hold off the upset?
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If there is any team that can beat the Bucks in a playoff series, it’s the Miami Heat. There two match-ups before the bubble showed the danger Miami poses to Milwaukee. They are uniquely built to dismantle this Bucks squad. This includes having the size of Bam Adebayo to neutralize Giannis and shooters all-around the team to bury buckers.
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The Heat also have a strong brand of perimeter defense, which will have Jimmy Butler on the likes of Khris Middleton. However, it cannot be forgotten that the Bucks are the best in the league for a reason. Whatever anything a team can throw at them, they usually have more. This is mainly the unstoppable nature of Giannis Antetokounmpo, The only thing is that Bam Adebayo may be one of the best players to have on Giannis to slow him down.
The Bucks have faltered in the playoffs before, but this time it isn’t a strong and consistent Toronto Raptors. It is a young and unpredictable Miami Heat. However, they will pray to hold off on their season ending here.
