KEY POINTS

  • Milwaukee Bucks seal the top seed in the Eastern Conference with a 130-116 win over the Miami Heat
  • It was a come-from-behind effort for the Bucks as they rallied from a 23-point deficit
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo believes the biggest challenge for the Bucks are themselves

The Milwaukee Bucks’ latest 130-116 win against the Miami Heat ended with a 20-5 run led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The reigning MVP shared that amidst all the challenges they have to overcome they must first triumph over their internal doubts.

Boasting the top record in the NBA with a 55-14 standing, the Bucks are still the favorites to win the title as they clinched the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. The come-from-behind victory further emphasized the Greek Freak’s thoughts regarding the team’s dynamic.

"I think the biggest challenge for us is ourselves," Antetokounmpo said by way of ESPN.

The Bucks trailed by as much as 23 points in the first half but the Bucks were able to find a way to cool down the Heat. Led by their All-Stars Antetokounmpo and Middleton, the duo both notched 33 points to propel the Bucks to another impressive victory.

"How are we going to play? How hard are we going to play? Are we going to play for one another? Are we going to defend hard? Are we going to be able to rebound the ball? Are we going to be able to make the extra effort? Are we going to dive on the floor,” Antetokounmpo added.

Throughout the year, it has been Antetokounmpo taking command for the Bucks. The franchise player remains as strong as ever with his season averages of 29.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists to go along with a block a game. This was in full display against the Heat as Antetokounmpo shot a dominant 13-17 from the field. This major performance was also supplemented by Middleton’s five out of six shooting from beyond the arc.

It will be crucial for the Bucks that the rest of the team maintains their consistency on the floor. Their second top scorer Middleton has been reliable for the team as the expectations are also high for the six-foot-seven All-Star. With averages of 20.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 40.9% from beyond the arc, Middleton has proven himself as one of the most dependable players in the league.

With the remaining games finally getting back on track, it’s time for this year’s most dominant Eastern Conference squad to prove to everyone what they’re capable of. With the pressure to win, the Bucks are looking to focus and play harder for the remainder of the games in the bubble.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, center, moves the ball against Miami's Jae Crowder, left, and Tyler Herro in a 130-116 victory Thursday that clinched a top seed for the NBA playoffs for the Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, center, moves the ball against Miami's Jae Crowder, left, and Tyler Herro in a 130-116 victory Thursday that clinched a top seed for the NBA playoffs for the Bucks GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / POOL