Heat dominate Warriors in Jimmy Butler's return

Martin Vassolo
,
Sommer Brugal
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Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo look on during last night’s game between the Heat and the Warriors. Photo: Rich Storry/Getty Images

The Miami Heat blew out the Golden State Warriors 112-86 Tuesday night in Jimmy Butler’s first game back in Miami after being traded last month.

Why it matters: The Heat (31-41) have struggled since trading the disgruntled star, losing 10 straight games at one point, and fans were looking forward to Tuesday’s nationally televised reunion.

Miami is now 6-17 since trading Butler.

State of play: Bam Adebayo, who dunked on Butler early in the game, led the Heat with 27 points.

Butler, who was booed whenever he touched the ball, scored 11 points.
Stephen Curry missed the game for the Warriors with a pelvic injury.

The big picture: Miami is the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and, if the standings hold, will be in the Play-In Tournament fighting for a spot in the playoffs.

What’s next: The Heat play the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at the Kaseya Center.