In an unexpected turn of events, the Heat made an incredible comeback in Game 4 of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Bucks. Miami was 14 points down in the final quarter, but with an outstanding performance by Jimmy Butler, the team was able to stun the Bucks 119-114.
Butler delivered a career-high 56 points, tying for the fourth-best scoring performance ever in an NBA playoff game. It was also a franchise playoff record for the Heat. The Bucks, who led for almost the entire game, had a tough time containing Butler’s impressive display, as he shot 19 for 28 from the field and 15 of 18 from the foul line, in addition to nine rebounds.
Despite Brook Lopez’s 36 points and 11 rebounds and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double, consisting of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, the Bucks couldn’t maintain their lead in the final minutes of the game. Miami’s 30-13 run in the last six minutes of the game sealed the deal for the Heat.
Miami is now in a remarkable position, leading the best team in the NBA in the regular season, 3-1. It is a statistical improbability that has only happened four times in the NBA’s playoff format since 1984. Miami’s victory on Monday put Milwaukee on the brink of elimination, and they need to win three straight, starting with Game 5 at home on Wednesday, to have any chance of advancing to the next round.
Butler’s heroic performance helped Miami achieve its biggest fourth-quarter comeback of the season at the most critical time. He scored 21 of his points in the fourth quarter, including a 13-0 run that put Miami up for the first time with 3:17 left. The lead changed hands four more times before Butler’s 3-pointer put Miami ahead for good with 1:20 left.
The only players to score more in a playoff game than Butler are Michael Jordan with 63, Elgin Baylor with 61, and Donovan Mitchell with 57. Butler’s 56 points put him in an elite category, joining Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Charles Barkley.
The Heat will look to close out the series on Wednesday and advance to the next round. Meanwhile, Milwaukee will need to win three straight games to avoid an early elimination from the playoffs.
