Confidence seemed to shine in and around Kaseya Center as the Miami Heat pulled off a captivating comeback to win 119-114 in game four of the team’s playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Even before tip-off fans were confident that forward Jimmy Butler, the team’s six-time NBA all-star who went on to score 56 points, a team record, would display a performance of a lifetime.
“Jimmy Butler’s going to take over,” said Heat fan Zach Goldberg standing on the arena’s steps. “There is nothing like Heat culture, and that’s what it takes to beat a team like the Bucks.”
The most obvious factor in this decisive outing was Butler. Known for his heroics in the postseason, he dropped 22 points in the first quarter. His scoring output was the fourth most ever scored in a playoff game.
The Heat surged ahead late in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run sparked by Butler. Miami held the lead after that despite the Bucks’ attempted response.
Injuries have plagued both teams over the first three games, leaving Miami’s Tyler Herro out with a broken right hand and Victor Oladipo with a torn patellar tendon. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a back contusion in game one then missed the next two contests. Antetokounmpo put up 26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists in his game-four return.
Miami and Milwaukee have shared a competitive history in the playoffs over the last three years. During their previous series in 2021, the Heat fell 4-1 in the first round.
This time, Miami holds a 3-1 series lead and will have the chance to advance to the next round in game five at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
