Jimmy Butler returns to hand the Knicks a 105-86 blowout

The Knicks suffered a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the second round of the playoffs last afternoon, with a final score of 86-105.

The return of Jimmy Butler, who scored 28 points for the Heat, was a major factor in the game. Butler made an impact right from the start, scoring 10 points in the first quarter alone.

The Knicks struggled on both ends of the floor, unable to defend against the Heat’s offense and struggling to create shots of their own. Unfortunately, they were outscored in each quarter, and their efforts to close the gap in the second half fell short.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 20 points and 8 assists, followed by Josh Hart with 15 points and 12 rebounds, RJ Barrett with 14 points, and Julius Randle with 10 points and 14 rebounds.

However, the team as a whole struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, where they went just 8-40. The Heat also struggled from 3-point range, going 7-32.

“Teams know what you’re going to do at both ends. They know what we’re going to do. Some nights you make them, some nights you don’t.”

– RJ Barrett

The Knicks were outscored in the paint 50-36, which made it difficult for them to get close to the Heat’s score. Immanuel Quickley came off the bench and scored 12 points, but unfortunately, he suffered an ankle sprain with just over six minutes left in the game. His status for Game 4 is uncertain.

Max Strus led the Heat with 19 points, while Bam Adebayo scored 17 points and Kyle Lowery added 14 points.

With the Heat now leading the series 2-1, they are just two wins away from advancing to the conference finals. The Knicks will need to regroup quickly and come back stronger in the next game to avoid being eliminated from the playoffs.

Up-next: Game 4 is on Monday from 7:30