Butler, Adebayo Lift Heat in Game 4 to Leave Knicks on Brink of Elimination

• The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks in Game 4
• Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo combined for 50 points in the win
• The Heat outrebounded the Knicks 44-35 in Game 4  

The Miami Heat moved within a win of returning to the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in four years, beating the New York Knicks 109-101 in Game 4 on Monday night.

Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo starred for the Heat, who now hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. 

Butler led the Heat in scoring with 27 points. He shot 9 of 17 from the field, including 1 of 3 from beyond the arc.

Adebayo delivers in Game 4

Butler also had 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 42 minutes of action.

Complete history of 8th seeds eliminating 1st seeds in NBA playoff history

NBA

Adebayo also registered a double-double, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds.

Three other players scored in double figures for the Heat. Max Strus finished with 16 points and six rebounds.

Kyle Lowry and Caleb Martin provided the offense off the bench, scoring 15 and 10 points, respectively.

The Heat became only the fourth No. 8 seed in the current NBA playoff format to win at least seven games in the postseason.

They eliminated the No. 1 seed Bucks in five games in the first round before taking a 3-1 lead against the No. 4 seed Knicks in the second round.

The No. 8 seed Knicks won 12 games in their playoff run back in 1999, while the Grizzlies and the Sixers won seven postseason games as eighth-seeded teams in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

The Heat once again won the rebounding battle in Game 4, beating the Knicks 44-35 in this department. Miami just wanted it more on Monday, with the Heat grabbing seven offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter alone.

New York Knicks vs Miami Heat Series Preview: Previous matchups, key players, and schedule

NBA

Can the Knicks come back?

History doesn’t favor the Knicks in their bid to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

According to ESPN, New York is 0-14 all-time when trailing 3-1 in a best-of-seven series. Miami is 14-0 all-time when leading 3-1 in such a series.

Lakers get boost from Walker

Sports Brief recently reported on the Lakers’ win over the Warriors in Game 4 and the fans’ reactions to Lonnie Walker’s incredible performance.

He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to lead Los Angeles to a 104-101 come-from-behind win over Golden State.

The Lakers now own a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series.