Milwaukee Bucks were hammered by the Miami Heat, 119-86, in the 2026 NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center on Friday, July 5. The Bucks entered the game after a 126-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on 2026-04-12 and a recent 2W-0D-3L stretch, having dropped their last two contests.
How did the game unfold?
Miami surged early, but the real gap opened in the second half when the Heat outscored Milwaukee 60-27. The Heat shot 51.9% from the field and 41.9% from three‑point range, while the Bucks managed just 35.4% shooting and 30.6% from deep. Miami’s ball movement produced 27 assists compared with Milwaukee’s 17, and the Heat dominated the paint 44-30. Trevor Keels led Miami with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Vladislav Goldin added another 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bench player Tre White posted a double‑double, tallying 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Who stood out for Milwaukee?
Brayden Burries was the Bucks’ top scorer, pouring in 18 points while dishing three assists and grabbing three rebounds. Pete Nance contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, and Kasparas Jakucionis added 11 points, three rebounds and six assists. Despite the effort, the Bucks struggled to find rhythm in the paint and on the perimeter, reflected in their low shooting percentages.
What does this loss mean for the Bucks?
The defeat underscores lingering offensive inefficiencies that have plagued Milwaukee in recent outings. Shooting below 36% and allowing the opponent to hit nearly 42% from three points signals defensive lapses and a need for better perimeter coverage. With the Bucks slated to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday at 9 ET on ESPN, the coaching staff will likely emphasize tighter rotations and more aggressive ball movement to reverse the recent slide.
What’s next for the Heat?
Miami bounces back with a matchup against the Orlando Magic on Saturday at 3:30 ET on Prime Video. The Heat’s balanced attack—high FG% , strong assist numbers, and dominance inside the paint—should serve them well against Orlando’s young roster. For the Bucks, the upcoming game against San Antonio offers a chance to reset, especially after a recent form of 2W-0D-3L that includes two straight losses.
The Summer League serves as a testing ground for rookies and fringe players, and both teams will use the experience to fine‑tune lineups ahead of the regular season. Milwaukee must address its shooting woes quickly if it hopes to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.