Jimmy Butler delivered a 24-point performance, with Bam Adebayo contributing 20 points and 14 rebounds, propelling the Miami Heat to a 110-102 win over the Washington Wizards during Friday’s NBA action using a pivotal third quarter.
Butler showcased his efficiency by going 7 for 10 from the field, including a perfect 3-point shot, just one day after being overlooked for this year’s Eastern Conference reserves despite being a six-time All-Star and missing 15 games this season.
On a night when Miami struggled with their shooting, hitting only 43.2% from the field and 7 out of 31 from beyond the arc, Butler’s offensive aggression was a key factor. He emphasized the importance of maintaining an aggressive approach to facilitate easier plays for his teammates.
“We’ve lost a couple of games maybe because I haven’t been as aggressive as I’m supposed to be,” Butler said. “We’ve talked about how that has to change. And you come out and be aggressive and keep everybody on their heels because I think if I’m playing like that, it makes everybody else’s job a lot easier.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards Updates
Adebayo marked his 25th double-double of the season shortly after being named a reserve All-Star, helping the Heat secure their second consecutive victory following a seven-game losing streak. Kevin Love also significantly impacted with 13 points and 10 rebounds in just 15 minutes of play. Being the league’s least effective team in rebounding, the Wizards were outmatched 59-43 in total rebounds and 14-6 in offensive rebounds by Miami.
“I feel like we’ve hit that adversity, we got through it, and now it’s time to roll,” Butler said.
Corey Kispert led the Wizards with a season-high 26 points as the team continued to adjust under interim coach Brian Keefe, who took over for Wes Unseld Jr. Jordan Poole and contributed 16 points and 10 assists. In comparison, Daniel Gafford added 11 points and 14 rebounds for Washington, which struggled in the third quarter, a recurring issue for the team.
“I do think there were some long rebounds because both teams didn’t shoot the ball well from 3 tonight,” Keefe said. “But that’s an area we’ve been focused on, and that’s an area we’re going to continue to focus on.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards Updates
The Heat took the lead for the first time in the game on Terry Rozier III’s free throws early in the third quarter and extended their advantage with a decisive 21-6 run to close the period. Key plays included Butler’s strategic free throws and significant contributions from Love, Jamie Jaquez Jr., and Tyler Herro, emphasizing Miami’s increased energy and cohesion.
“We just knew we had to play with more energy as more of a cohesive unit,” Love said. “And from the start of the third all the way through, we felt like we did that.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Washington Wizards Updates
Although the Wizards attempted a comeback with an 18-4 run in the fourth quarter, they couldn’t close the gap to a single possession, highlighting Miami’s ability to maintain control and secure the victory.
Looking ahead, the Heat will host the LA Clippers, while the Wizards are set to face the Phoenix Suns, both games scheduled for Sunday night.
