Jimmy Butler, Gabe Vincent Lift Miami Heat Past NY Knicks in Gritty Game 1 Win

• The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in their series opener
• Jimmy Butler and Gabe Vincent combined for 45 points in the Heat's win
• Julius Randle did not play in Game 1 due to a previous ankle injury

There is just no stopping the Heat right now.

They extended their winning streak in the playoffs to four games with their come-from-behind victory over the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Miami recorded a 108-101 win over New York on Sunday to grab a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven series.

Butler delivers in Game 1

Jimmy Butler starred for the Heat in the series opener, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, per ESPN.

LA Clippers hold off Phoenix Suns in Game 1 after late heroics by Russell Westbrook

NBA

He showed his toughness in the fourth quarter when he sprained his ankle with 5:05 remaining in the contest. He elected to stay in the game and shoot his two free throws as the Heat were up by just three points at that stage.

His decision to continue playing paid dividends as Miami held on to the victory. They outscored New York 13-9 following Butler's injury scare.

Vincent scores 20 in win

Three other players scored in double figures for the Heat in Game 1.

Gabe Vincent had an excellent afternoon, scoring 20 points and dishing out five assists. He shot 6 of 16 from the field, including 5 of 12 from beyond the arc.

Kyle Lowry and Bam Adebayo also contributed, dropping 18 and 16 points, respectively.

Knicks suffer gut-wrenching loss

It was a disappointing defeat for the Knicks, who led by 12 points in the first half.

Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris star in Game 2 as Philadelphia 76ers take 2-0 lead over Brooklyn Nets

NBA

Miami managed to erase the deficit because of New York’s poor outside shooting. The Knicks shot just 7 of 34 from beyond the arc in Game 1.

Jalen Brunson struggled from deep, missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. He finished the game with 25 points but also committed five turnovers.

RJ Barrett scored 26 points for the Knicks, who missed the services of Julius Randle in the series opener.

New York ruled him out 45 minutes before the start of Game 1. Randle aggravated his ankle injury in Game 5 of the first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Butler injures ankle  

Sports Brief recently reported on how Butler injured his ankle.

He was injured while driving to the basket late in the fourth quarter.

Butler was said to have been hurt after Josh Hart fell on his ankle.