“Bigger loss than Giannis Antetokounmpo” – Reggie Miller SHOCKINGLY claims Heat player’s injury bigger gamechanger than former MVP’s exit

Reggie Miller’s outrageous take on Giannis and Herro’s injuries sparks backlash

“Bigger loss than Giannis Antetokounmpo” – Reggie Miller SHOCKINGLY claims Heat player’s injury bigger gamechanger than former MVP’s exit

Reggie Miller (L), Giannis Antetokounmpo (C) and Tyler Herro (R)

Reggie Miller is no stranger to making bold statements and stirring up controversy as a TNT analyst. But on Sunday night, he may have crossed the line with his baffling remark about the significance of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Herro’s injuries in the first game of the Eastern Conference playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat.

Antetokoumnpo, the two-time MVP and one of the best players in the league, left the game early in the second quarter with a lower back bruise after falling hard following a collision with Heat’s Kevin Love. He attempted to come back but was eventually ruled out for the rest of the night. Herro, the Heat’s promising young scorer and spark plug off the bench, broke his right hand later in the quarter while chasing a loose ball. He also did not return to the game.

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As both teams adjusted to losing key pieces of their offense, Miller stunned everyone when he said on air that Herro’s absence was a bigger loss for Miami than Giannis’ was for Milwaukee. He reasoned that the Bucks had more talent and depth to compensate for Giannis’ injury, while the Heat were already thin and could not afford to lose anyone.

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Miller’s comment was met with disbelief and mockery by fans and analysts alike, who pointed out how ridiculous it was to compare losing an MVP-level player and a dominant force on both ends of the court to losing a role player and a third option. Many called Miller a clown and questioned his credibility as an analyst.

Also Read: Bucks HC Mike Budenbolzer Provides MASSIVE UPDATE about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury

How did the game turn out?

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Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (L) and Heat’s Jimmy Butler (R) (Via Twitter)

Despite playing without their best player, the Bucks kept it close until the fourth quarter, when the Heat pulled away with a flurry of 3-pointers and clutch plays by Jimmy Butler, who finished with 35 points. The Heat won 130-117 and took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The Heat shot 59.5% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc, while the Bucks shot 43.8% from the field and 24.4% from deep. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 33 points and nine rebounds, while Bobby Portis added 21 points off the bench. Jrue Holiday had 16 points and 16 assists but shot only 30% from the field.

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Bam Adebayo had 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists for the Heat, who also got 18 points and eight rebounds from Kevin Love off the bench. Herro had scored 12 points before his injury.

The status of Giannis for Game 2 on Tuesday is uncertain, while Herro has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks. The Bucks will need their superstar to bounce back and lead them to a crucial win, while the Heat will hope that their young gun can recover earlier than expected and help them if they make it deep in the playoffs.

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