Jimmy Butler Scores 28 in Return As Miami Heat Ease Past NY Knicks in Game 3

• The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in Game 3
• Jimmy Butler starred in his return to the starting lineup
• The Knicks never led in Game 3 as they struggled offensively

Nothing would keep Jimmy Butler off the court with the series lead on the line in Game 3.

The 33-year-old scored 28 points in his return from injury, leading the Miami Heat to a convincing 105-86 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday.

It was a critical win for the Heat, who take a 2-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Butler dominant in return

All eyes were on Butler after he missed Game 2 due to an ankle injury. He sprained his ankle with 5:05 left in Game 1 after getting tangled up with Josh Hart while he was driving to the basket.

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The rest did Butler good, as he showed no ill effects of the ankle injury in Game 3.

He started strongly, scoring 10 of his 28 points in the first quarter to help Miami take a 29-21 lead after the opening 12 minutes of play, per ESPN.

Heat ease past Knicks 

Duncan Robinson extended that lead to 11 points with a 3-pointer to start the second quarter. The Heat cruised to victory after that, as their lead remained double digits for the rest of the contest.

Butler shot 9 of 12 from the field and made 10 of his 11 free throws in Game 3.

He got some help from his teammates, with three other Miami players scoring in double figures.

Max Strus scored 19 points and grabbed three rebounds in Game 3. Bam Adebayo registered a double-double, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Kyle Lowry provided the firepower off the bench, scoring 14 points on 4 of 9 shooting.

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Knicks struggle in Game 3

It was a disappointing loss for the Knicks, who never led on Saturday.

Jalen Brunson led New York with 20 points. Josh Hart and RJ Barrett scored 15 and 14 points, respectively, in the Game 3 loss.

The Knicks struggled offensively in Game 3. The 86 points they scored were the second-fewest of the season.

Suns record Game 3 win 

Sports Brief recently reported on the Suns’ win over the Nuggets in Game 3 of their series.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant torched Denver in the 121-114 win.

They combined for 86 points to help the Suns cut the Nuggets’ series lead to 2-1.