The Miami Heat's shrewd efforts against the Milwaukee Bucksā€˜ Giannis Antetokokounmpo from Game 1 of their first-round matchup did not go in vain.

Despite being down 2-0 against the Bucks, the Heat may have gotten themselves a mental advantage over the two-time reigning Most Valuable Player whenever he heads to the charity stripe.

To recall, Heat assistant coach Caron Butler was seen counting the seconds it took for the Bucks superstar to hoist a free-throw attempt during the series opener. It bore fruit in that game as Antetokounmpo was called for a 10-second violation when the referees realized they've missed half of their lives waiting for him to finish his free throws.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball
Knicks rumors: Bill Simmons floats blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo 3-team tradeJulian Ojeda Ā·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks rumors: Giannis Antetokounmpo will be ā€˜first upā€™ in wild offseason, says Brian WindhorstPreston Byers Ā·
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) talk after their game at TD Garden.
Damian Lillard shares photo with Celticsā€™ Jayson Tatum amid Achilles rehabsZachary Howell Ā·
Shaqā€™s OGs guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors and forward Jayson Tatum (0) of the Boston Celtics and guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks and forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns celebrate with the trophy after defeating Chuckā€™s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center.
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes strong declaration for 2026 NBA All-Star GameScotty White Ā·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) in the second half.
Bucksā€™ Giannis Antetokounmpo breaks silence on viral ankle-breaker momentJosh Davis Ā·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game three against the Indiana Pacers in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum.
Carmelo Anthony on why Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is unlike Luka DoncicScotty White Ā·

Fast forward to Game 3, it appears that Butler has a legitimate case. If you take a second look at the video above and pause at the 10-second mark of TNT's timer, it's explicitly obvious that the ball is still in Antetokounmpo's hands.

It's something fans in Miami are expected to keep an eye on as the series is now in South Beach for Game 4 with the Heat trailing 3-0. The referees will be placed under scrutiny by the fanbase if they continue to let the Bucks' best player get away with this violation.

Then again, it's very likely that Antetokounmpo isn't the only player guilty of going past the 10-second limit. Will the game officials begin to take a tighter look into these instances moving forward? They've rarely cared about it after all.

For now, the Heat may be starting to build some real estate inside of the Bucks leader's head.