The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Miami Heat on Tuesday in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference finals, breaking the record of 3 more points made by a team in a single game with 29. While Heat took the series to reach the NBA finals earlier this year, it was the Bucks that led the new season’s rematch with a dominant 144-97 victory.
The record itself was broken with just over six minutes remaining. Milwaukee’s choice in the second round, Sam Merrill, brought the ball to the court and decided to shoot from the left corner of the hoop to make the team’s 28th 3-point basket.
In addition to breaking the team record, previously held by the Houston Rockets, the Bucks also set a new record for most players with a 3-point basket with 12. Ironically, the only person who did not drop an A 3 points during the win Tuesday was the current MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo – although it was not for want of an attempt, as he missed both attempts behind the hoop. Jrue Holiday led all his teammates with six points made out of 3 points.
For fun, here are all the players who made a three for Milwaukee on Tuesday: Holiday, Merrill, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo, Bobby Portis, DJ Wilson, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jordan Nwora, Pat Connaughton, DJ Augustin and Bryn Forbes.
If the Heat feels particularly angry or embarrassed about the kind of performance that prompted the Bucks to kick their teeth in, they won’t have to wait long to try to get revenge. Miami faces Milwaukee again tomorrow night.