MIAMI Heat prevailed over Milwaukee Bucks, 115-104, in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines).
Jimmy Butler recorded a playoff career-high 40 points, Goran Dragić chipped in 24 markers and Bam Adebayo logged 12 points and 17 rebounds for Miami.
Dragić and Adebayo went on fire in the third period to bring the Heat to a 92-86 lead.
Milwaukee responded with a strong start in the fourth period to cut the deficit to one at 95-96, but back-to-back baskets from Adebayo and Tyler Herro stretched Miami’s lead to 11.
Oklahoma City Thunder, on the other hand, will be in a “win or go home” showdown versus Houston Rockets after blasting the latter in Game 6 of their Western Conference first round series, 104-100.
After Dennis Schröder tied the game at 100 with under a minute left, his teammates Chris Paul and Danilo
Gallinari converted two free throws each to give Oklahoma the lead for good.
Paul finished the match with 28 points and seven assists while Gallinari scored 25 markers.
All games of the NBA playoffs are held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex inside Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida, United States./PN
