Miami Heat Dominate Warriors in Jimmy Butler’s Return Game

MIAMI – The Miami Heat made a statement Tuesday night, delivering a commanding 112-86 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Jimmy Butler’s return to South Beach. Bam Adebayo led the charge with 27 points, while Tyler Herro added 20 as the Heat shot an impressive 17-for-25 from beyond the arc.

Heat Set the Tone Early

Miami wasted no time establishing control, never trailing throughout the contest. The team’s efficient three-point shooting and relentless defense overwhelmed Golden State, which struggled offensively without Stephen Curry, who missed his second consecutive game due to a pelvic contusion.

Golden State’s offensive woes were evident from the start, as the Warriors’ entire starting lineup—Butler, Gary Payton II, Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Brandin Podziemski—combined for just 10 points in the first half, with each player scoring only two. This marked the first time since 2012 that an NBA team’s starters failed to score more than two points each in the first half.

Butler’s Quiet Return

All eyes were on Butler, who played his first game back in Miami since being traded last month. However, the former Heat star had a quiet night, finishing with just 11 points. Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 15 points, while Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos chipped in 14 and 13, respectively.

Nikola Jovic Nearing Return

The Heat received some positive injury news as Nikola Jovic has been cleared for all basketball activities after missing the past 16 games with a fractured right hand. Though he did not play Tuesday, his return could provide a boost for Miami down the stretch.

Highlight Play of the Game

One of the most electrifying moments of the night came in the third quarter when Miami’s Ware had the ball knocked loose mid-air on a drive. Before landing, he recovered possession and flicked the ball over his shoulder off the glass for a spectacular bucket, pushing Miami’s lead to 78-60.

What’s Next?

Golden State looks to bounce back when it visits the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. Meanwhile, Miami aims to build on this dominant performance as it closes out its homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.

With this decisive win, the Heat reinforced their status as a playoff contender, while the Warriors continue to struggle without their superstar leader, Stephen Curry.