Heat Knock Out Bucks

     The Miami Heat began their 34th season in the National Basketball Association with a 137-95 victory over the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks at FTX Arena on Thursday night. It was the widest margin the Heat even had for an opening night win. 

     The Heat won their seventh consecutive home season-opening contest. The last time they fell was in their 2007 season opener. Miami is 15-7 all-time when starting the regular season at home. 

     It was the second time that the Heat faced the defending NBA champions on opening night. They beat the Dallas Mavericks 105-94 back in 2011 between the two NBA finalists.

      Miami(1-0) ripped out to a 25-point lead during the first quarter and had a 40-17 advantage at the end of the frame. The Heat continued the momentum and were up 72-43 at halftime. Milwaukee(1-1) could not cut the deficit and trailed 105-69 after three quarters. 

     Tyler Herro scored a team-high 27 points for Miami while Jimmy Butler added 21 points. Bam Adebayo compiled a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 15 points and 10 rebounds.