Brooklyn Holds Miami to Nine Fourth-Quarter Points in First Game Without Butler. The Brooklyn Nets put on a defensive clinic Friday night, holding the Miami Heat to just nine points in the fourth quarter en route to a 102-86 win. Playing in their first game since trading away Jimmy Butler, the Heat collapsed late, shooting a dismal 2-for-21 (9.5%) in the final period after leading by six heading into the quarter.
Cam Johnson led the Nets with 18 points, while D’Angelo Russell added 17. Nic Claxton contributed a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, while Brooklyn controlled the glass with a 57-39 rebounding advantage. The Nets, who have now won four of their last five games, continue to battle despite lacking a true superstar on their roster.
For Miami, Terry Rozier came off the bench to score 20 points, while Bam Adebayo added 18. However, the Heat struggled mightily without Butler and were also missing Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and Davion Mitchell the three players they acquired in what turned into a five-team trade.
Miami’s downfall began early in the fourth quarter. Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored on the Heat’s first possession to extend their lead to 79-71, but the offense went ice-cold from there. The Heat didn’t score another field goal until Rozier hit a three-pointer with 7:02 left, and they failed to convert another shot from the floor for the rest of the game.
Meanwhile, the Nets capitalized on Miami’s struggles, outscoring them 31-9 in the final frame. Brooklyn’s defense was suffocating, forcing missed shots and dominating the rebounding battle.
Heat: No Closer, No Answer. Jimmy Butler had long been Miami’s go-to player in crunch time, but after multiple suspensions this season and his eventual trade, the Heat lacked a late-game leader. Tyler Herro tried to fill that role but had a brutal shooting night, finishing just 6-for-22.
Nets: Star-Less, but Fighting. Despite trading away key pieces in recent years, the Nets continue to show resilience. Their balanced scoring attack and strong defensive effort fueled another impressive win, with contributions coming from across the roster.
The Nets dominance on the boards was a major factor, as they outrebounded Miami 57-39. Their size and effort on the glass helped them control the tempo and limit the Heat’s second-chance opportunities.
The Heat will try to bounce back Monday when they host the Boston Celtics in their lone home game during a brutal nine-game stretch. The Nets will look to stay hot as they host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday.
