Milwaukee Bucks 95-137 Miami Heat: 5 talking points as Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler put on a shooting clinic to overwhelm the defending champs | 2021-22 NBA Season

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat got off to a quick start to bludgeon the undermanned reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat got off to a quick start to bludgeon the undermanned reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks

#3 The Milwaukee Bucks have not been able to replace P.J. Tucker

P.J. Tucker dives into the stands to secure a loose ball for the Miami Heat against the Milwaukee Bucks
P.J. Tucker dives into the stands to secure a loose ball for the Miami Heat against the Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks' championship rightly rested on the broad shoulders of Giannis Antetokounmpo and will likely do so in the foreseeable future. Khris Middleton was a punishing scoring machine, particularly when in the clutch. Jrue Holiday orchestrated the plays and hounded the opposing team's backcourt.

Probably lost in the celebration and euphoria was P.J. Tucker's unbelievable play, especially on defense. He is more than the glue guy that every team needs to contend for the NBA title. He was a do-it-all player who willingly sacrificed his body to get the win.

What the Milwaukee Bucks were missing was on full display in their game against the Miami Heat. P.J. Tucker was all over the place. He jostled with the Greek Freak, harassed Khris Middleton and even dove into the crowd to save a loose ball.

In only 22 minutes of play, he had the highest net rating on the Miami Heat roster. The Heat outscored the Milwaukee Bucks by 31 points when Tucker was on the court for Erik Spoelstra.

That's the kind of contribution he will put out night after night and twice on Sundays for the Miami Heat. The Milwaukee Bucks have not been able to find someone that comes close to what Tucker brings to the table.


#4 The Milwaukee Bucks' worrying depth at the point guard spot

The Milwaukee Bucks clearly missed Jrue Holiday's presence on both ends of the floor against the Miami Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks clearly missed Jrue Holiday's presence on both ends of the floor against the Miami Heat

The Milwaukee Bucks played it safe with their All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday has had a long summer after playing at the Tokyo Olympics with teammate Khris Middleton. The point guard played a starring role in Team USA's gold medal-winning accomplishment.

A long grind and extended minutes could complicate things for the Milwaukee Bucks. Jrue Holiday was unable to return in the second half of the game against the Brooklyn Nets due to a right heel contusion.

With Holiday out, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to make do with George Hill and Justin Robinson. In 30 games last season split between the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder, Hill averaged 8.7 points, 2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. He shot 38.8% 3FG, which is basically his career average.

However, it's the team's ability to penetrate defenses that severely drops off without Jrue Holiday. Holiday's importance on defense is emphasized with P.J. Tucker now plying his trade with the Miami Heat.

George Hill is also on the wrong side of 30 and could himself get injured. Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson are not the fastest players on the Miami Heat's roster, but it seemed like Hill was always a step late on defense. The Milwaukee Bucks' title defense could fail if the point guard depth is not addressed.


#5 Khris Middleton looked gassed against the Miami Heat

Khris Middleton was running on fumes in the game against the Miami Heat
Khris Middleton was running on fumes in the game against the Miami Heat

After helping the Milwaukee Bucks end half a century of championship deprivation, Khris Middleton took his talents to Tokyo to help the US Men's basketball capture the gold medal.

Along with Jrue Holiday, they have been playing continuous basketball for practically the whole year. The success, grind and everyday routines can be mentally and physically draining.

The Miami Heat have been waiting several months for another crack at the same team that quickly dismissed them out of the playoffs last season. While the Heat were chomping at the bit to go at it, it seemed like Middleton was coasting early on. It only worsened when the first quarter ended 40-17 in the Heat's favor.

It could be that the Miami Heat's defense and aggression completely took him out of the game quickly. Or it could be something that will be a consistent theme throughout the 2021-22 campaign.

Quick Links