The Miami Heat takes Game 3 over the New York Knicks, 105-86, for a 2-1 lead on their Eastern Conference Semifinals series.
It was an abrasive offensive night for both clubs, with Heat shooting 38.9 percent from the floor (35-of-90) while the Knicks having a much worse 34.1 percent (31-of-91). Nevertheless, Miami went on to take the series advantage with the comeback performance of Jimmy Butler and in courtesy of their rugged defensive identity as a group.
Butler made his return to Miami after missing the team’s Game 2 loss due to an ankle injury, dropping 28 points, four boards and three assists. Bam Adebayo had 17 points and 12 boards, while Max Strus contributed with 19 markers.
For the Knicks, rising star Jalen Brunson had 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Julius Randle registered another lowly display, going for just 10 points on 4-of-15 field goals, but shattered the glass with a game-high 14.
Game 4 of the Conference Semis set will spark on Monday.
