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The Milwaukee Bucks, as of late, have been giant-slayers, having defeated the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks – no small feat there.

They would go into Tuesday night facing another NBA powerhouse in the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena, hoping to maintain the “giant-killer” persona.

Suffice it to say, after 48 minutes, the Bucks looked like the proverbial deer-in-the-headlights. Starstruck, if you will. Dwyane Wade continued his impressive play as he scored 34 points, helping Miami easily dispose of Milwaukee 101-89.

After being up by 11 after a Chris Bosh jumper with 7:36 left in the second quarter, the Heat cooled off and the Bucks made hay. Milwaukee would outscore Miami 23-8 – 14 coming from the free throw line – to close the half up 51-47.

The fourth quarter would be revealing and a bit bizarre.

Bucks coach Scott Skiles got whistled for a technical foul trying to get a referee’s attention to argue what he perceived to be a Heat shot-clock violation ana appearing to have accidentally collided with Miami guard Carlos Arroyo.

Because the contact was unintentional, Skiles wasn’t ejected. But the beginning of the end for Milwaukee would come about 10 seconds after that incident as James Jones drained a three-pointer. That would spell the end for any chances for Milwaukee to make a comeback.

Wade led all Heat Scorers with 34 points, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal while LeBron James added 25 with 6 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 blocks. Chris Bosh chipped in 19 with 12 rebounds and 2 steals.

The Bucks were led by John Salmons with 18 points, along with 4 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while Andrew Bogut added 16 with 8 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks. Keyon Dooling chipped in 14 with a rebound, 5 assists and 2 steals.

In a curious quirk in the NBA schedule, Miami (28-9) plays Milwaukee (13-19) again on Friday, this time at Bradley Center while the Bucks play again on Wednesday when they travel north to Orlando to take on the Magic.