KEY POINTS

  • The Milwaukee Bucks won their first game of the series against the Miami Heat
  • Khris Middleton scored 36 points, including clutch baskets to secure the Bucks victory
  • The Bucks are looking to be the first team in NBA history to rally back from a 0-3 deficit

The Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a clutch win in overtime, 118-115, care of the heroics of All-Star Khris Middleton. The clutch performance puts Middleton in a unique company amongst the very best in the Bucks’ history.

It was the first time since the great Kareem Abdul-Jabar that a Milwaukee player put up more than 35 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a playoff game.

While the win keeps their season alive, the organization will closely monitor Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status after falling with an ankle injury. The reigning MVP returned to the locker room and forced the Bucks to play shorthanded against the raging Miami Heat. But this was the perfect opportunity for Middleton to step up and defend the first-seeded team’s season.

"Khris is very unique," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said by way of ESPN.

It was a 36-point outburst from Middleton that propelled Milwaukee to victory in the overtime thriller.

"He's got a way about him. He wanted to play. He asked to stay in the game,” Budenholzer continued.

With the way the Bucks were able to rally back and prevent a sweep, the team is looking to rely on Middleton to remain consistent throughout the rest of the series. Every game is a must-win for the team as they’re aiming to become the first franchise in NBA history to bounce back from a 0-3 deficit.

"We've got to fight every night to keep on playing," Middleton said after draining a clutch three in overtime to seal the win.

Expect the Miami Heat to adjust in the succeeding matchup, as they understand the capabilities of their opponents. Despite the strong performance of players such as Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Bam Adebayo, coach Erik Spoelstra gave credit to the Bucks’ team effort.

"The reality is, they deserved to win the game," Spoelstra said.

Both teams had six players scoring in double figures in the game as the match came down to the wire.

"They were doing things with more force, more consistency," Spoelstra added.

It will be interesting to see how the Bucks can maintain their momentum after winning their first game in the series.

Milwaukee's Khris Middleton drives the to the basket in the Bucks' 118-115 overtime win over the Miami Heat in game four of their NBA playoff series
Milwaukee's Khris Middleton drives the to the basket in the Bucks' 118-115 overtime win over the Miami Heat in game four of their NBA playoff series GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Douglas P. DeFelice