Khris Middleton starred as the Milwaukee Bucks, their backs against the wall and star Giannis Antetokounmpo injured, beat the Miami Heat 118-115 in overtime on Sunday to stay alive in the NBA playoffs.

With reigning NBA MVP Antetokounmpo ruled out after aggravating his sprained right ankle in the first half, Middleton stepped up to score 36 points－including nine of the Bucks' 11 in overtime.

A Middleton 3-pointer put Milwaukee up 116-112 with 6.9 seconds left in the extra session. Miami rookie Tyler Herro drained a 3-pointer to close the gap to 116-115 before Middleton made two free throws to seal the win.

Milwaukee, the Eastern Conference top seeds, trimmed the deficit in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal to 3-1.

XINHUA — AGENCIES