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Jimmy Butler returned to the Miami Heat’s line-up for the first time in 10 games after missing out due to Covid-19 protocols to help them overcome the Sacramento Kings 105-104.
Butler scored a season-high 30 points to help him pass 10,000 career points, whilst also picking up seven rebounds and eight assists to help the Heat pick up their first win in five.
De’Aaron Fox dropped 30 points, six rebounds and six assists whilst shooting 46% from the field, as the Kings fell just short.
The Kings took a 24-35 lead in the first quarter, shooting seven of their 17 threes in the game in the first.
The Kings’ lead was cut to two by half-time, as the Heat out-scored the Kings by 33-24 in the second quarter, with Butler scoring 14 of the Heats 33 second quarter points.
Bam Adebayo produced a good performance, picking up 18 points and 13 rebounds whilst shooting 64% from the field.
The Heat took a grip on the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Kings 27-18 to give them a seven point lead ahead of the fourth.
Fox scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to help the Kings get back into the game, however it wasn’t enough to seal the win.
Butler put the Heat up one with 40 seconds remaining, before Adebayo blocked Richaun Holmes’ last second mid-range effort to seal the win for the Heat.
Miami has been undermanned for much of the season. Once healthy, Erik Spoelstra’s team will hope to pull themselves back in the mix in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference. The Heat will be desperate to avoid a first round matchup with Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Boston or Philadelphia.
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