Giannis Antetokounmpo records a triple-double as Milwaukee Bucks beat Miami Heat to complete NBA play-offs first round sweep

The Milwaukee Bucks cruised to a 120-103 win behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s stat-stuffing performance, to avenge their 2020 play-off collapse against the Miami Heat. 

The reigning MVP was in total control of the game – with an impressive stat line of 20 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists and two blocks – poised to eliminate the Heat on their homecourt.

‘There’s a saying, don’t play with your food, he said post-match. ‘We didn’t want to play with our food.’

Despite the dominant play of the ‘Greek Freak’, it remained a balanced team effort; with six Bucks players scoring in double-figures, four of which had 20-plus points.

Milwaukee Bucks looking a formidable side this season

Defeating Miami in convincing fashion comes as a full-circle moment for Milwaukee, after the embarrassing 2020 semi-finals defeat last season launched them into an off-season filled with uncertainty and difficult questions to answer.

The Bucks front-office were pro-active and aggressive in making roster adjustments in order to give Antetokounmpo the confidence in the organisation to commit to a five-year $228million (£168.5m) contract extension prior to the 2021 season.

In arguably the trade of the season, they were able to acquire All-defensive-team guard Jrue Holiday – who fits the team seamlessly – averaging 17 points and six assists on the way to a four-year $135m (£95.1m) extension mid-season.

Bucks focusing on bigger picture after passing Heat test

As the Bucks now await the winner of the Boston Celtics-Brooklyn Nets match-up, Giannis remains laser-focused on the bigger picture.

‘It’s a great moment for us, winning 4-0, and beating the team that beat us last year. But at the end of the day, we still have a long way to go.’

The Milwaukee Bucks have enjoyed win-loss record of 162-65 (71 per cent) over the last three regular seasons but will look to finally translate this into post-season success after three consecutive exits before the Finals.

By Josh Musoke