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Jimmy Butler had 25 points, 11 rebounds and four assists to lead the Miami Heat past the New York Knicks 108 – 101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Butler rolled his ankle with 5:05 to play and the score 95 – 92 but stayed in the game despite his injury. Although he was visibly affected and couldn’t perform as before, the Knicks didn’t take advantage of this on either offense or defense, while the Heat went on to make a 9-2 run over the next four minutes.
“Find a way to win. Be out there, be present,” Butler said on his mindset in the last lap of the game. “I didn’t do much except airball a three. But I’ll take the dub.”
Miami remained up by 10, 104, 94, with 1:04 remaining to close the game successfully after previously coming back from down 12 (28-40) in the first half. Besides Butler, who spent 43 minutes ont eh floor overall, Gabe Vincent posted 20 points plus five assists while Kyle Lowry scored 18 points, dished out six dimes and grabbed five rebounds. Bam Adebayo had 16 points and eight boards.
For the Knicks, that were without Julius Randle, RJ Barret led the charge with 27 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Jalen Brunson provided 25 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The Knicks host Game 2 Tuesday (2/5).