(Michael Reaves / Getty Images)
By Ian Firstenberg
(MILWAUKEE) The Milwaukee Bucks convincingly beat the Miami Heat Tuesday night 144-97 and, in the process, broke the NBA record for three-pointers in a single game.
The previous record was 27 made three-pointers in a game, which the Bucks matched with roughly 8 minutes left in the game. That set up Sam Merril to make the record breaking shot with 6:07 left in the game. The previous record was held by the Houston Rockets during an April 7, 2019 home game against the Phoenix Suns.
The Bucks finished with 29 made threes on 51 attempts, making them the first team in NBA history to attempt more than 50 threes in a regular season game and shoot more than 50% or better. Milwaukee shot 56.9% on Tuesday.
While the mark was impressive, the Bucks were firing on all cylinders early with bigman Brook Lopez knocking down a three to start the routing. Milwaukee eventually jumped to a 21-6 lead in the first quarter and were up big by halftime.
The three-pointers were not the only record the Bucks set Tuesday. They also set the record for the most different players to make a three, 12; and tied the record for the third largest victory over a defending conference champion.
Among the other surprises included former MVP and All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo's meager 9 points in 24 minutes and the record setting three coming with 3:30 left in the game. The Bucks could've pushed for 30 threes but the shot with three and a half minutes left was their last attempt.
To their credit, the Heat seemed to take the routing well.