Joe Ingles’ NBA championship dream is one loss away from ending for another season after his Milwaukee Bucks failed to contain a Jimmy Butler-inspired Miami Heat, leaving the Bucks trailing 3-1 in their first-round series.
Butler produced yet another post-season masterclass to bury the Bucks, dropping a franchise playoff record 56 points while adding nine rebounds.
Milwaukee led 92-78 seconds into the final frame before the Heat went on a remarkable 41-point fourth quarter surge to take command of the series.
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The Bucks were perfectly placed to win, but they failed to stop Butler’s brilliance in a chaotic fourth quarter.
The 119-114 loss means Milwaukee must defy history to resurrect the series – and their season.
Teams up 3-1 in a series are 258-13 all time and 72-3 in the first round.
This imposing record makes Thursday’s Game 5 in Milwaukee crucial for the Bucks to win and force a Game 6.
Ingles only had three points, two rebounds and two assists in his 18 minutes on the court, but it didn’t matter as Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped a triple-double in his return from a back injury.
The Greek Freak finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists to record just the third post-season triple-double in his illustrious career.
In the end, though, even Antetokounmpo had no answers for a majestic Butler performance for Miami.
A humble Butler, who finished with 21 points in the fourth quarter, denied that he transformed into “Playoff Jimmy” in the post-season.
“It’s not a thing. It’s not. I just be hooping,” the 33-year-old said.
He was 19 for 28 from the field and 15 of 18 from the foul line and is the 29th player in NBA history to score 50 or more in a playoff game. Only Michael Jordan (63), Elgin Baylor (61) and Donovan Mitchell (57) have scored more.
Milwaukee’s defeat to Miami puts a dent in Ingles’ championship aspirations.
The Boomers veteran had high hopes for success at the Bucks this season – now he must overcome the odds to win his first NBA title.
Fellow Australian Jock Landale has a chance to advance to the second-round in the Western Conference when his Phoenix Suns take on the LA Clippers on Wednesday from 12pm (AEST).
Landale’s Suns lead 3-1 in their series against the Clippers – and are favoured to win to book a second-round clash against the winner of the Denver versus Minnesota series.
The Nuggets lead 3-1 heading into Wednesday’s Game 5 from 11.00am (AEST).
Sports reporter
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