Jimmy Butler poured in 26 points, Tyler Herro added 23, and the Miami Heat leaned on their sharpshooting to notch a 121-111 victory over the Toronto Raptors in an NBA showdown Friday night.
The Heat’s win was fueled by their relentless effort from beyond the arc, attempting 54 three-pointers—the third-highest in franchise history.
Miami’s offensive firepower wasn’t limited to just scoring. Bam Adebayo recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, capping it off with a clutch rebound in the game’s final moments. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 15 points, providing key support as the Heat climbed back above .500 with a 9-8 record.
On the other side, Toronto showcased its own star power, with Scottie Barnes registering a triple-double of his own: 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 25 points, while Jakob Poeltl was nearly perfect from the field, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds on 10-for-11 shooting.
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The Heat’s deep-ball dominance played a defining role. Miami made 21 three-pointers, with all 10 players who saw action attempting at least two shots from beyond the arc—a first in franchise history. The balanced approach kept Toronto’s defense scrambling, particularly during key stretches of the game.
After Toronto surged with a 12-0 run to take a 79-77 lead late in the third quarter, Miami responded emphatically. A 19-2 run, capped by Butler’s driving layup and Adebayo’s facilitating brilliance, gave the Heat a commanding 96-81 advantage. The Raptors couldn’t recover, trailing the rest of the way.
While Butler’s scoring set the tone, his recent efficiency deserves special mention. Over his last five games, Butler has shot an impressive 61%, converting 35 of 57 attempts since returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games. Herro’s steady perimeter shooting and Adebayo’s all-around play were equally critical to Miami’s success.
Toronto found bright spots in Barnes’ all-around performance and Poeltl’s near-flawless efficiency. However, their inability to match Miami’s perimeter shooting and second-half defensive lapses left them playing catch-up. Despite showing flashes of resilience, they faltered when the Heat dialed up the intensity.
Miami’s defensive adjustments and offensive depth were evident in the game’s pivotal moments. The Heat’s ability to involve all 10 players in their three-point shooting strategy highlighted the team’s versatility and willingness to share the ball. Adebayo’s facilitating, combined with Herro and Jaquez Jr.’s scoring touch, added layers to Miami’s attack.
For the Raptors, Friday’s loss was another reminder of their need to tighten defensive rotations and find consistency in key stretches. While Barnes and Poeltl’s performances were noteworthy, the team’s struggles in containing Miami’s shooters proved costly.
Both teams will look to make adjustments quickly, as they’re set to face off again Sunday in Toronto. The Raptors will aim to regroup and capitalize on home-court advantage, while the Heat will seek to extend their winning momentum and continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
This latest matchup showcased the Heat’s identity: a mix of defensive tenacity, offensive depth, and clutch shooting. If Miami can maintain this form, they’ll be a team to watch as the season progresses, especially with Butler playing at an elite level.