Jimmy Butler drops 30 points on Giannis-less Bucks as Heat take 2-1 series lead with Game 3 win 

Jimmy Butler put on a 30-point display in the Heat’s torching of the Bucks, who were without their star Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second consecutive game, to take a 2-1 lead in Miami’s first round playoff series against Milwaukee 

Butler, who trolled the Bucks on social media after the Heat won Game 1, made 12 of his 19 shots (63.1 field goal percentage), including all four of his 3-point attempts to seal a precious 121-99 win for his team on Saturday night at Kaseya Center. 

Heat guard Duncan Robinson came off the bench to add 20 points in 23 minutes for Miami. He had a +24 rating in his cameo role. Kyle Lowry also made a positive impact off the bench, putting up 15 points in 28 minutes. He had a +27 rating while on the floor for Miami.

For the Bucks, Kris Middleton scored 23 points on 8-14 shooting, converting 3 of 5 shots from behind the 3-point line. 

Milwaukee’s 31-year-old small forward is trying to hit peak form after sustaining a right knee injury in March, which many feared would rule him out of the team’s first-round playoff series. 

Miami’s Jimmy Butler torched the Bucks all night on Saturday in the Heat’s 121-99 home win

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second playoff second game for the Bucks

More to follow…