Heat erase 15-point deficit to top Blazers

Field Level Media|published: Wed 28th February, 24:58 2024

Feb 27, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (8) at Moda Center. credits: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Butler recorded 22 points, nine assists and four steals to help the Miami Heat overcome a 15-point deficit en route to a 106-96 victory over the host Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Terry Rozier scored 19 points and Duncan Robinson added 17 as the Heat improved to 5-0 on a six-game road trip. Bam Adebayo contributed 13 points and nine rebounds for Miami, which has won nine of its past 11 games.

Anfernee Simons scored 26 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost their season-high ninth straight game. Jerami Grant added 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals and Toumani Camara had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Portland, which went 0-7 on its now-concluded homestand.

Deandre Ayton had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the first half for the Trail Blazers but didn't return for the second due to a sprained right hand. Ayton was injured when he collided with Miami's Kevin Love late in the first quarter.

Butler and Nikola Jovic returned from one-game suspensions due to their roles in an altercation against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday. Thomas Bryant missed the second contest of a three-game suspension for his involvement.

Tyler Herro (hyperextended knee) missed his second straight game for the Heat.

Scoot Henderson (adductor) missed his third consecutive game for Portland, which shot 40.7 percent from the floor and made 10 of 31 from 3-point range.

The Heat connected on 52.9 percent of their shots, including 14 of 26 from behind the arc.

Miami trailed by as many as 15 points in the opening quarter and finally caught Portland at 67 on Jovic's 3-pointer with 6:01 left in the third quarter. A basket by Rozier gave the Heat their first lead at 73-71 with 4:07 remaining.

The Heat led 80-76 entering the final stanza but Portland tied it at 80 on Camara's tip-in with 10:40 remaining.

Love's 3-pointer gave Miami an 85-82 lead with 9:22 remaining. Jaime Jaquez Jr. drilled a trey to make it 101-90 with 4:03 left and the Heat finished off the victory.

Grant scored 16 points in the first half as Portland led 56-46. Butler had 10 points in the half for the Heat.

—Field Level Media

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