The Miami Heat won the New York Knicks 109-101 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday, taking a 3-1 series lead.
Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler had a team-high 27 points along with 10 assists, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 32 points, with 11 assists and four rebounds.
Miami Heat will take a 3-1 lead into Madison Square Garden for Game 5 on Wednesday night, one win from wrapping up this East semifinal matchup and returning to the conference finals for the third time in four years.
“It was great that we were able to hold home court,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “But we know we have a task in New York.”
Max Strus scored 16 points, Kyle Lowry added 15 and Caleb Martin had 10 for the Heat. Miami became only the fourth No. 8 seed in this NBA playoff format — now in its 40th season — to win at least seven games. The 1999 Knicks won 12 on their way to the NBA Finals.
Knicks RJ Barrett scored 24 points and Julius Randle scored 20 before fouling out with about three minutes left.
“You’ve got to win four to win a series. So, all we’re thinking about is win the next game. Go quarter by quarter. Win the first quarter, win the second quarter, win the third, win the fourth. And then the next day we’ll think about the next day,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said.
For the upcoming Game 5, it is uncertain if Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley will play. He had sprained his left ankle late in Game 3 and was out. Quentin Grimes will also take the place of Josh Hart in the starting lineup.
The Heat have a chance to reach the East finals on Wednesday — and so does South Florida’s NHL team. The Florida Panthers lead their second-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-0, with Game 4 of that matchup in Sunrise, Florida on Wednesday night.
