The Bucks are facing another 0-1 series deficit after a setback against the Miami Heat on Sunday, one that featured an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. What was the temperature around the team postgame? Journal Sentinel writers Lori Nickel and Jim Owczarski join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the landscape if Giannis can't play in Game 2 and what the Heat showed that might be sustainable going forward. They also discuss the finality of the Haslams purchasing Marc Lasry's ownership stock in the franchise and Jim's ballots for the various postseason awards; will Brook Lopez be awarded Defensive Player of the Year on Monday night?

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Host JR Radcliffe is joined by ESPN West Palm's Ken LaVicka, who offers insight into the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff opponent, the Miami Heat. How does a team go from the top seed in the East to the eighth in one year with roughly the same roster? How does Miami perceive Marquette University alumnus Jimmy Butler and Whitnall High School graduate Tyler Herro? Is Bam Adebayo still seen as a Giannis Stopper? Is it at least possible this team offers Milwaukee a threat? The two teams will square off Sunday in Game 1.

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

It's a full house for a lengthy Point Forward Podcast, with Jim Owczarski, Lori Nickel, Ben Steele and JR Radcliffe looking at the best of the 2022-23 season. Who was the team's non-Giannis MVP? What was the best game? The biggest surprise? The coolest moment? They also discuss the team's relative health heading into the playoffs, especially Khris Middleton. Is he going to be here next year? Plus, another look at the flour possible opponents in the first round, which begins Sunday (but Milwaukee won't know the foe until Friday). Should Ray Allen's jersey be up in the rafters?

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Journal Sentinel reporters Ben Steele, Lori Nickel and Jim Owczarski join host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's lopsided loss to Boston and how it impacts the confidence that Milwaukee can indeed win the Eastern Conference. At least the team bounced back with a big win over Philadelphia on Sunday. Plus: Could the 76ers realistically supplant either Boston or Milwaukee? What would a potential long-term Grayson Allen do to the lineup? How about Thanasis Antetokounmpo's one-game suspension for a head butt? A look back at the notable events in a win over Indiana, with one player netting a triple-double (Giannis) and another scoring 51 points (Jrue). What are the stories everyone will remember from the 2022-23 regular season now that it's heading to an end?

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

In past years, the Milwaukee Bucks have played down their interest in grabbing the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but it's different this year. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the home stretch of the season, including a looming battle with the Celtics. The guys look back at a meeting vs. top dogs in Denver (sadly on the back half of a back-to-back), the imminent arrival of Goran Dragić to the floor, more on the Brook Lopezaissance and what his status would be for next year with the Bucks and whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP chances are dead (spoiler alert: Not yet!!).

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Columnist Lori Nickel and beat writer Jim Owczarski examine the Bucks' playoff roster depth, their "invisible" starter and Giannis Antetokounmpo's vision.

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Marquette Golden Eagles reporter Ben Steele joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Marquette men's basketball team's draw in the NCAA Tournament, including a No. 2 seed and first-round meeting with Vermont. They look at the potential matchups that await, including with No. 1 seed Purdue, and gauge how strong their chances are. Where does MU rank this season relative to other teams in recent history?

Bucks reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to look at the NBA awards race; what are the realistic chances for Giannis Antetokounmpo (MVP), Brook Lopez (Defensive Player of the Year) and Bobby Portis (Sixth Man of the Year) to win some postseason hardware as we hit the home stretch of the 2022-23 season? First, Giannis must get healthy; how concerned is Jim about that nagging hand injury? The trio discuss Brook's big game in the block column, Khris Middleton making his first start since a return from injury, the team's turnover issues proving costly against Golden State and Pat Connaughton's connection with Marquette's MVP.

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The epic Milwaukee Bucks winning streak is snapped at 16 games, though the team quickly picked up a new one and have the best record in the NBA. Bucks reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to discuss that and the newest member of the Milwaukee Bucks, Goran Dragić. Is it strange that Jae Crowder wasn't used down the stretch against Philadelphia. How serious are the red flags around the team's usage of Khris Middleton? How do we feel about Giannis Antetokounmpo looking for a triple-double (only to have it taken away) with some late stat-padding? Also, a bit about the Skip Bayless nonsense from earlier in the week in which he took Giannis out of context and What's Making Jim (and Lori!) mad.

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

This isn't an episode about the Milwaukee Bucks, but it is about another big Milwaukee basketball story. Host JR Radcliffe and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Ben Steele chat about the Marquette men's team, which went from picked ninth in the preseason to outright champion in the Big East Conference. What's made Shaka Smart so effective in his second season, even without liberal use of the transfer portal this year? Can he win national coach of the year? Why has the team risen above expectations? What makes them a tough out in the tournament, and what makes them vulnerable? Both Marquette and the Bucks play at home Saturday, so expect a fun doubleheader of Cream City hoops.

Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."