Jimmy Butler made a triumphant return from injury as the Miami Heat downed the New York Knicks 105-86 on Saturday to take a 2-1 lead in their NBA Eastern Conference playoff series.
Butler, who sat out Miami’s game two defeat in New York on Tuesday after rolling his ankle in game one, showed no sign of the problem as he once again led the Heat’s scoring with 28 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Butler was one of four Miami players to finish in double figures in a game that the eighth-seeded Heat led from start-to-finish.
Max Strus finished with 19 points, including three three-pointers, while defensive linchpin Bam Adebayo weighed in with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kyle Lowry added 14 points for Miami.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks scoring with 20 points as New York were outmuscled by a combative Miami line-up who outscored their opponents in all four quarters.
New York’s problems were compounded by a dismal shooting performance, with the Knicks making just 31-of-91 from the field.
Miami’s robust approach led to tempers flaring in the third quarter when Cody Zeller shoved over Randle as the two grappled under the basket, prompting a melee involving players from both sides.
Game four in the best-of-seven series takes place in Miami on Monday.
