Jimmy Butler Carries Miami Again, Winning Fourth Straight Game

The Miami Heat sealed up their 102-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night. Jimmy Butler took control late in the fourth quarter by coming up with a steal with four seconds remaining. Butler finished with a strong 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, one assist shy of a double-double. Tyler Herro also had a great game as he came off the bench to add 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Heat are on an absolute tear as of right now, with Sunday’s win marking their fourth win in a row. Miami has also won 10 of their last 11 games.

Jimmy Butler on another dominant fourth quarter: “Just find a way to win… at the end of the day, that’s the reason that we play.”

Miami has been playing great team-ball lately, as other players like Kelly Olynyk and Duncan Robinson have stepped up big, too. Olynyk finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists on Sunday night, continuing to maintain the empty spot at center, with Bam Adebayo out. The three-point specialist, Duncan Robinson, also contributed with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Magic, who have now lost eight straight games, look to move past Sunday’s tough loss and get back on the right path. Nikola Vucevic finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds ,and 6 assists, as he has been the only bright spot in Orlando’s lineup this year. But Terrence Ross’s outing cannot be forgotten, finishing with a season-high 31 points.

Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon was held out for a second straight night as he is still nursing an ankle injury. Gordon will take some time to ramp back up, but he is the fire power that Orlando desperately needs right now.

Notes

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  • On Sunday night, Nikola Vucevic tied his career high for 3-point field goals made with six.
  • Since their OT loss to the Warriors on February 17, the Miami Heat have the very best record in the NBA.
  • The last time the Miami Heat won 6+ road games in a row, they won an NBA Championship.
  • Miami has won nine straight games with Jimmy Butler on the floor, and four straight without Bam Adebayo on the floor.
  • Tyler Herro played all 12 4th quarter minutes on Sunday night.

What’s Next?

The Miami Heat will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST. Meanwhile, the Magic take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

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