NBA Game Notes (April 19, 2023)

Here are the NBA game notes for games that were played on April 19, 2023.

Bucks Tie 3-Point Mark

The Milwaukee Bucks made a record-tying 25 3-pointers as they defeated the Miami Heat 138-122 despite the absence of MVP finalist Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks evened their Eastern Conference First Round series at a game apiece and will travel to Miami for Games 3 and 4.

The Bucks scored 81 points in the first half, the most in franchise history in the first half of a playoff game. It’s also the fifth-most points scored in a first half in NBA postseason history. The Bucks’ 46 second-quarter points tied the NBA record for most points scored in the second quarter of a playoff game.

The Bucks tied the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a playoff game held by the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers:

• 25 — Cleveland Cavaliers (2016 ECS, Game 2)

• 25 — Milwaukee Bucks (2023 EC1, Game 2)

• 24 — Cleveland Cavaliers (2017 NBA Finals, Game 4)

• 23 — Houston Rockets (2020 WC1, Game 4)

Seven Bucks made at least one 3-pointer, led by Pat Connaughton who hit six of his 10 attempts. Connaughton came off the bench to score 22 points in just 25 minutes, shooting 8-12 from the field.

Teammate Jrue Holiday tallied 24 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, shooting 10-19 from the field with four 3-pointers made. Holiday has recorded 27 assists over his last two games, tying his own franchise record for most assists over a two-game playoff span.

Starting in place of Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds in just 28 minutes of action. Portis also dished out a postseason career-high five assists and blocked two shots.

Bucks center Brook Lopez did not join the 3-point parade, but scored a team-high 25 points on 12-17 shooting from the field. Lopez was one of six Bucks to score at least 15 points, tying the NBA postseason record for most such players in a game (this was the 18th instance).

The Heat’s Jimmy Butler scored a team-high 25 points in the loss, shooting 8-12 from the field and making seven of his 10 free throws. Butler played just nine minutes in the second half, as the Bucks opened up a lead that grew as large as 36 points.