Orlando, Florida – The Miami Heat lost a 20-point lead in the second half but managed to turn the tide against the Indiana Pacers, 123-115, as they are just a win away to advance in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Jimmy Butler led the team by stuffing the stat sheet with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block while shooting 17-of-20 from the free throw line. Backing Butler in the paint was Bam Adebayo who had a better performance doing a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Goran Dragic gave the Heat another push in the offense with 24 points, six assists and three steals. Tyler Herro came off the bench and had a 20 point night while fellow rookie Duncan Robinson chipped in with 15.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon led all scorers with 34 points along with 14 assists, seven rebounds and two steals while TJ Warren had a better night with 23 points, six rebounds and five steals.
Victor Oladipo finished with 20 points before fouling out but Myles Turner also contributed a double-double for the team doing 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Miami now holds a 3-0 lead over the Pacers and they have a great chance of sweeping the series on Monday, August 24.
The Scores:
Heat (124) – Butler 27, Dragic 24, Adebayo 22, Herro 20, Robinson 15, Crowder 11, Iguodala 3, Olynyk 2, Jones 0.
Pacers (115) – Brogdon 34, Warren 23, Oladipo 20, Turner 14, A. Holiday 10, J. Holiday 9, McDermott 2, McConnell 0.
Quarterscores: 34-27, 74-56, 94-90, 124-115.
