Jimmy Butler scored 14 of his 28 points in the final quarter as the Miami Heat overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the Utah Jazz 118-115 at Kaseya Center on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to four games.
The victory pushed Miami to 23-21 overall and kept them firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, sitting just 1.5 games behind the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers. Utah, meanwhile, dropped to 19-25 and remained mired in 12th place in the competitive Western Conference standings.
Butler Delivers When It Matters Most
Butler’s clutch performance included a step-back three-pointer with 1:47 remaining that gave Miami the lead for good at 113-111. The six-time All-Star went 10-of-18 from the field and grabbed seven rebounds while playing all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter.
“That’s why we brought Jimmy here,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said postgame. “He rises to the occasion when we need him most.”
Tyler Herro added 24 points on efficient 9-of-15 shooting, including four three-pointers that helped fuel Miami’s second-half comeback. Bam Adebayo contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the paint against Utah’s undersized frontcourt.
Markkanen Leads Jazz Effort in Defeat
Lauri Markkanen paced Utah with 31 points on 12-of-21 shooting, continuing his stellar season that has him averaging 24.8 points per game. The Finnish forward knocked down five three-pointers and grabbed nine rebounds but couldn’t prevent the Jazz from losing their third straight game.
Jordan Clarkson provided 22 points off the bench, while rookie sensation Keyonte George chipped in 18 points and six assists. However, Utah’s bench was outscored 45-31, a deficit that proved costly in the tight finish.
“We had them right where we wanted them at halftime,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “But this is a veteran team that knows how to win close games. We’re still learning that.”
Defensive Adjustments Spark Miami’s Turnaround
The Heat trailed 67-55 at the break after allowing Utah to shoot 53.8 percent from the field in the first half. Spoelstra’s halftime adjustments included switching to a more aggressive pick-and-roll coverage that disrupted the Jazz’s offensive rhythm.
Miami held Utah to just 37.8 percent shooting in the second half while forcing eight turnovers that led to 12 fast-break points. The Heat’s defensive intensity ramped up significantly in the final 24 minutes, with Butler and Caleb Martin pressuring Utah’s ball handlers throughout.
“We got back to playing Heat basketball,” Adebayo said. “First half, we were playing their pace. Second half, we imposed our will.”
Playoff Implications Mount
The victory keeps Miami’s playoff hopes alive as they navigate a crucial stretch of their schedule. With 38 games remaining, the Heat have shown the type of resilient performance that characterized their surprising run to the NBA Finals last season.
For Utah, the loss continues a disappointing campaign that has seen them struggle to find consistency. The Jazz entered the season with playoff aspirations but have been hampered by defensive struggles and inconsistent play from their young core.
The teams combined for 16 three-pointers made and shot 48.9 percent from the field overall in what became a showcase of offensive firepower. However, Miami’s superior execution in crunch time made the difference in a game that featured nine lead changes and six ties.
Miami returns to action Friday night when they host the Boston Celtics in what shapes up as a crucial Eastern Conference showdown.
