Jimmy Butler III scored 26 points (12 in the first quarter), and the Miami Heat went on a 14-5 run in the fourth quarter to beat the LA Clippers 115-110.
The Clippers led 95-93 with 7:55 left in the fourth quarter. Max Strus’ driving layup put the Heat ahead for good with 7:05 left. They took a 107-100 lead with 4:20 left.
The Clippers got within 111-108 on Paul George’s driving layup with 1:17 to play, but Butler answered with a 15-foot fadeaway, and the Clippers got no closer.
During clutch time, the Heat outscored the Clippers 8-3. Butler (No. 3 in clutch points, 2022-23) scored 5 of the Heat’s 8 on 2 for 2 shooting and 1 for 1 at the line.
Bam Adebayo had 31 points (28 in the paint) and 10 rebounds on 14 for 21 shooting.
For the Clippers, George had 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, and Reggie Jackson added 20 points.
The Clippers forced 8 turnovers, about 5 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Heat outscored the Clippers 58-32 in the paint. The Clippers outscored the Heat 26-16 in 7 minutes with Wall, George, Morris, Zubac and Kennard on the floor together.