Jimmy Butler returned to lead the Miami Heat to a 2-1 victory over the New York Knicks

The second step (out of four) towards qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals was taken by the Miami Heat early on Sunday, May 7, at the expense of the New York Knicks (105-86). Erik Spoelstra’s team got a much-needed boost from Jimmy Butler’s return to the rotation, going 2-1 in the series and regaining first place in the NBA Playoffs.

The hosts took an early lead in a game where missed runs were the norm throughout the first half. Of course, this wasn’t a problem for Miami, which relied on Jimmy Butler and a winning rebound battle to build a decent lead (58-44) at the break.

Defensive intensity was the key to the Miami Heat not being seriously threatened by the New York Knicks, on their way to a second win in three games and reminding them that they are stronger than their opponents.

Jimmy Butlern was the MVP for the winners (28 points, 4 rebounds), and Bam Adebayo (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Max Stross (19 points) also contributed significantly to the second win, despite shooting 7/32 from 3 points. range (21.9%). This is because New York was worse than 7:25 (8/40 three-pointers – 20%), with key players like Jaylen Bronson (0/5), Julius Randle (0/5 three-pointers) and Emmanuel Kwikley. (1/8) To be disappointing from the parties.

the dodecalepta: 29-21, 58-44, 87-70, 105-86.

MIAMI HEAT: Butler 28 (9/19 2 points, 0/2 3 points, 10/11 shooting, 4 rebounds, 3 assists), Love 4 (9 rebounds, 4 assists), Adebayo 17 (12 rebounds), Strauss 19 ( 3/10 3 shots), Vincent 5 (0/4 3 shots), Lowry 14 (2), Martin 3 (0/3 3 shots, 3/4 shots), Zeller 6 (6 rebounds), Robinson 4 (shoot 1/6, photo 1/1), Highsmith 5 (1), Jovitch, Yurtseven.

New York Knicks: Barrett 14 (2/7 3-pointers), Randle 10 (0/5 3-pointers, 14 rebounds), Robinson 2, Hart 15 (2/6 3-pointers, 12 rebounds), Bronson 20 (0/5 3-points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists), Hartenstein, Grimes 8 (1), Tobin 5, Kwikley 12 (2/8 3-pointers), McBride, Jeffries.