Miami Heat Take Advantage Of Giannis Antetokounmpo's Absence And Big Night From Jimmy Butler To Take 2-1 Series Lead

The Miami Heat regain homecourt advantage against Milwaukee Bucks with Game 3 victory

The Miami Heat refused to waste another opportunity. 

After losing to the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks a few days ago, they weren't going to let it happen again. 

This time, Heat forward Jimmy Butler made sure it wouldn't happen by scoring 30 points in a 121-99 victory in Game 3. The Heat are now ahead 2-1 in the best-of-7 series. 

Things are expected to get tougher once Antetokounmpo returns. He missed a second straight game because of a back injury. The Bucks filled his void in Game 2, but were unable to replicate it once the series returned to Miami.  

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra pulled out all the stops, inserting Kevin Love into the starting lineup in place of Duncan Robinson. Love helped offset the Bucks' size advantage with seven rebounds while Robinson had 20 points off the bench. 

The Heat have opportunity to take control of the series Monday in Game 4. 

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Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat.

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