Jimmy Butler III scored 30 points (8 during a 10-0 run in the third quarter), and the Miami Heat closed the fourth quarter on a 17-1 run to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 115-100 for a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Bucks led 99-98 when Bam Adebayo’s hook shot put the Heat ahead for good with 4:20 left. He and Butler scored 6 points each during the run.
During clutch time, the Heat outscored the Bucks 9-3. Butler scored 4 of the Heat’s 9 on 1 for 1 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line.
Adebayo had 20 points and 16 rebounds on 7 for 8 shooting. Butler scored 17 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter.
For the Bucks, Brook Lopez scored 22 points (9 in the third quarter). Giannis Antetokounmpo had 21 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists but shot 7 for 21.
The Heat shot 44.9% from the field and 38.3% from 3 to the Bucks’ 42.0% and 29.7%. The Heat outscored the Bucks 19-3 in 6 minutes with Dragic, Butler, Crowder, Adebayo and Herro on the floor together. Khris Middleton fouled out.