(Reuters) - Milwaukee continued to relish the role of giant-killers when a storming second-half performance led the Bucks to a 105-97 victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
Milwaukee survived a 40-point barrage from LeBron James and overcame a 17-point first half deficit by exploding in the final two quarters to win their third straight in a streak that also includes a triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bucks (10-11) also defeated the Heat on January 22 in what had been Miami's only loss in nine games going into Wednesday's contest.
This time, Milwaukee ate into Miami's advantage with a 13-2 run to start the third quarter before kicking into a higher gear at the start of the next by outscoring the visitors 22-3 en route to a 98-82 lead in the blink of an eye.
Brandon Jennings sparked Milwaukee with 31 points, including seven three-pointers, while Drew Gooden added 17 and nine rebounds.
James poured in 24 first-quarter points to stake Miami (16-6) to a 40-23 lead at the first interval before the Bucks hauled themselves back into the contest to end the Heat's five-game winning streak.