Heat's Statement Win Monday Proves Miami is the Bucks' Biggest Threat in the East

The Miami Heat heard all the hype about the Milwaukee Bucks and proceeded to pick up a dominating 105-89 win over the NBA's best team Monday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was held to 13 points on 6-for-18 shooting. The Heat did not have one player go off, but rather a balanced attack that saw six players reach double-digit points. The loss was only the ninth for the Bucks this season and it appears the Heat are Milwaukee's biggest threat in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks have five conference losses this year, two of which came at the hands of the Heat. Boston, Philadelphia, and Indiana have also taken down the Bucks.

As it currently stands, Miami is in fourth place in the East while the Bucks are in first. If the season ended today, the two sides would be projected for a second-round playoff matchup, which is something the Bucks would likely be hoping to avoid.

The Heat are clearly the top threat to the Bucks this year. The Raptors no longer have Kawhi Leonard, the Pacers and 76ers are dealing with injuries and the Celtics are relying on some young stars while also dealing with a few injuries.

Miami is perfect against Milwaukee this season, winning both at home and on the road. There is still one more matchup to come on March 16 in Milwaukee. Regardless of the outcome the Heat have shown they have what it takes to take down the Bucks. With the likes of Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo playing lockdown defense on Milwaukee's stars, a Heat-Bucks playoff series would be a dream scenario for NBA fans.