MIAMI — The Miami Heat wasted two incredible performances from star Jimmy Butler in a pair of losses in Games 3 and 4. But the Heat didn’t need another epic night from Butler in Game 5.
Using its usual formula of balanced scoring and elite defense, the Heat came away with a much-needed 120-85 blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at FTX Arena. Miami now holds a 3-2 series lead and is just one away from punching its ticket to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in the last three seasons.
Even with starting point guard Kyle Lowry sidelined again by a strained left hamstring, seven Heat players finished with double-digit points, including the entire starting lineup.
