Jimmy Butler III scored 27 points (7 during an 11-0 run in the fourth quarter), and the Miami Heat closed the fourth quarter on a 22-6 run to beat the Detroit Pistons 118-105.
The Pistons led 99-96 with 5:36 left in the fourth quarter. Butler’s 10-foot pull-up jumper put the Heat ahead for good with 4:35 left. He scored 16 points during the run.
During clutch time, the Heat outscored the Pistons 7-0. Butler (No. 3 in clutch points, 2022-23) scored 5 of the Heat’s 7 on 2 for 2 shooting and 1 for 1 at the line.
Gabe Vincent scored 22 points (11 in the first quarter) with 6 3-pointers.
For the Pistons, Jaden Ivey had 30 points and 7 assists on 11 for 15 shooting, and Jalen Duren added 20 points and 14 rebounds on 7 for 8 shooting.
The Pistons forced 8 turnovers, about 5 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Heat outscored the Pistons 25-10 in 7 minutes with Butler, Adebayo, Martin, Vincent and Herro on the floor together.