Jimmy Butler returns from injury and Heat blow out Knicks to take 2-1 series lead

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It was one of the worst shooting games of the season for the Miami Heat, by far: 39% from the field, 22% from 3-point range, barely 50% on usually easy shots at the rim.

Didn't matter.

Defense — still the Heat staple, even in these high-scoring NBA days — came through and moved Miami two wins away from another trip to the Eastern Conference finals.

Jimmy Butler returned from his sprained right ankle to score 28 points, Max Strus added 19 and the Heat topped the New York Knicks 105-86 Saturday to take a 2-1 lead in their East semifinal series.

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New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA second-round playoff series Saturday, May 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

"It's about figuring out how to compete at a really high level," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "What's necessary for that game to be able to win."

For as poorly as the Heat shot, the Knicks were worse — 34% from the field, 20% from 3-point range, 46% from the restricted area around the rim.

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And that was the story.

"You've got to win games different ways," Heat guard Kyle Lowry said. "In the playoffs, like I've said many a time and for many years now, every game is seriously different. And this is one of those games where we held them down. ... To win by half a point, one point, two points, 20 points, it's about winning the game however it happens."

Jalen Brunson scored 20 for New York, which got 15 from Josh Hart, 14 from RJ Barrett and 12