MIAMI – In a dramatic finish, Jimmy Butler’s step-back jumper as time expired propelled the Miami Heat to a nail-biting 118-116 victory against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. The game, marked by tactical plays and high-scoring performances, showcased the best of the Heat’s offensive prowess, led by Butler’s 28 points.
Butler’s game-winning shot was the culmination of a well-executed play, with Kyle Lowry orchestrating the move and Kevin Love setting a crucial screen. Reflecting on the moment, Butler humbly noted, “Anybody can make that shot,” but emphasized the significance of securing a win in the competitive league.
Kevin Love delivered a strong performance, adding 22 points for Miami. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Caleb Martin also made notable contributions with 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Lowry rounded off the effort with 10 points and seven assists.
For Chicago, DeMar DeRozan led the scoring with 27 points, followed by Patrick Williams with 25. Contributions from Coby White, who added 22 points, and Torrey Craig with 16 points, kept the Bulls competitive throughout the game. Nikola Vucevic also made an impact with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The final moments were tense, as Vucevic missed a potential go-ahead shot with 15 seconds left. Butler grabbed the rebound, leading to Lowry’s strategic setup for the game-winning play. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra chose not to call a timeout, trusting his team’s ability to execute under pressure.
The Bulls, coached by Billy Donovan, acknowledged the effectiveness of Butler’s final shot, with Donovan noting it as a learning opportunity for his team.
Injury woes were a subplot of the game, with Miami missing Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro due to injuries. The Bulls faced their own challenges, with Craig exiting at halftime due to a heel injury and Alex Caruso sidelined with an ankle issue.
The first half was a showcase of three-point shooting prowess, with both teams combining for 21 three-pointers. Love’s early accuracy from beyond the arc helped Miami to an initial lead, but the Bulls fought back, reducing Miami’s halftime lead to just one point.
The third quarter saw the Bulls leading by seven at one point, but Miami responded with a strong finish to take an 11-point lead into the final quarter. The Bulls mounted a comeback in the fourth, temporarily taking the lead, but Butler’s last-second heroics ensured a Miami victory.
Kevin Love praised Butler’s performance, calling him the “best closer in the game.”
UP NEXT
The Bulls face a challenging encounter at Philadelphia on Monday night, while the Heat look to build on their momentum as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves, also on Monday.
