NBA: Bucks outlast Heat, win again without Giannis Antetokounmpo

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 32 points, adding seven rebounds and seven assists, to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 128-117 victory over the visiting Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

Ryan Rollins contributed 21 points for Milwaukee, which won its seventh game in nine tries without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf). Bobby Portis also added 21 off the bench, while Kyle Kuzma chipped in 19.

For Miami, Norman Powell led the team with 26 points, ending the Heat’s three-game winning streak. Bam Adebayo added 18 points and nine rebounds.

The game was fast-paced from the start, with Milwaukee building a lead as high as 12 in the second quarter. However, Miami responded with a quick 14-2 run in under two minutes to tie the score at 50 with 4:31 left in the half. Cam Thomas scored the final five points before halftime, giving Milwaukee a 63-58 lead. Both teams were nearly identical in shooting, hitting 44-45% from the field and just over 38% from three-point range.

Miami gained momentum in the third quarter, with Adebayo scoring 10 points and the Heat limiting Milwaukee to 39.1% shooting. Miami entered the fourth quarter ahead 93-89, extending their lead to nine early in the period. Milwaukee responded with three straight three-pointers to reclaim the lead.

The teams traded baskets until Milwaukee put together a decisive run. Trailing by two with 4:09 left, the Bucks went on a 12-1 tear, including consecutive jumpers from Rollins, to seal the victory.

The Eastern Conference rivals now split the season series 1-1, with the deciding matchup scheduled for March 12.

—Field Level Media/Reuters