MIAMI – Jimmy Butler made his highly anticipated return to Miami on Tuesday night, but the Heat had only one message for their former star: No love lost.

While the fans at Kaseya Center offered a mixed reception—cheers during his tribute video, boos every time he touched the ball—the Heat delivered the ultimate send-off: a dominant 112-86 blowout over Butler’s new squad, the Golden State Warriors.

No Pat Riley Reunion, No Warm Welcome

Butler’s departure from Miami last month wasn’t exactly amicable, and his comments before tip-off made that crystal clear.

“I have nothing to say to Pat, and Pat better have nothing to say to me,” Butler told TNT Sports’ Taylor Rooks, referring to Heat president Pat Riley.

The tension in the arena was palpable, but it didn’t seem to rattle Miami. Instead, the Heat channeled that energy into a relentless performance on both ends of the floor.

Miami Dominates from the Start

Bam Adebayo set the tone early, torching the Warriors with 27 points, while Kyle Anderson provided a huge spark off the bench with 24. Tyler Herro added 20, and Miami never trailed, burying Golden State under a barrage of three-pointers (17-for-25 from deep).

Meanwhile, Butler had a quiet night, finishing with just 11 points in a game that was never close. The Warriors’ offense, already reeling without Stephen Curry—who missed his second straight game with a pelvic contusion—completely collapsed. Their starting five went ice-cold to open the night, missing their first 14 shots.

Golden State’s Freefall Continues

The loss drops the Warriors dangerously close to the play-in tournament, with the Clippers and Timberwolves breathing down their necks for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Without Curry orchestrating the offense, Golden State has looked lost, failing to find any rhythm.

While Butler struggled in his Miami homecoming, the Warriors had plenty of love for Andrew Wiggins, the former NBA champion they had to part ways with to make the trade happen. But admiration doesn’t win games, and Miami made sure to remind Golden State of that.

Heat Make a Statement

The Heat’s message was loud and clear: We don’t need Jimmy Butler to dominate.

Miami’s tenacity, efficient shooting, and suffocating defense turned what could have been a dramatic reunion into a statement win. Butler may have received a tribute video, but the Heat’s true farewell gift was a 26-point beatdown.

The Warriors will look to regroup when they visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, while Miami aims to keep rolling as they close their homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.

One thing is certain—Jimmy Butler’s return to Miami won’t be remembered for a hero’s welcome. Instead, it was a cold, merciless reminder that the Heat had moved on.

Upcoming Matches

• Golden State Warriors: The Warriors will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, March 29 as they try to stay afloat in the Western Conference playoff race.
• Miami Heat: The Heat wrap up their homestand against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday, March 28, looking to build momentum for the postseason push.

Where to Watch the Upcoming Games

• Golden State Warriors vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Friday, March 29
  📺 TV Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports Bay Area, Bally Sports New Orleans
  📱 Live Streaming: NBA League Pass, ESPN app, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV
• Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks – Thursday, March 28
  📺 TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Sun, Bally Sports Southeast
  📱 Live Streaming: NBA League Pass, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV

Check your local listings for regional availability and blackout restrictions.