Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler Triple-Doubles In Overly-Taxing Pelicans Win

Set to be without two of their top-four guys on Wednesday night, the Miami Heat came into a surely-winnable game against the 2-13 New Orleans Pelicans still looking to succeed. With Bam Adebayo taking more time for his knee and Kyle Lowry receiving the night off for rest after such a steep workload over the last few games, the Miami Heat would have to get it done without them.

There was a glimmer of hope though. After missing every game and minute since injuring himself early in the Lakers contest last week, Jimmy Butler returned to the court.

They would need him too and especially on a night where it took Tyler Herro some time to get started like he has been throughout the rest of the year. Down 34-21 at the end of the first period, the Heat would close the gap to just five points by the half though, at 52-47.

After that, it was all Miami Heat. Pulling even by the time the third got opened good and that’s after spotting them a double-digit lead, things started to play out as they should have all night long.

The Pelicans continued to fight, but as it started to churn down to it in the fourth, the Miami Heat would be up 15 for the last seven minutes or so.

The Miami Heat got the win against New Orleans on Wednesday, but it was harder than it should have been. Oh, Jimmy Butler triple-doubled too.

At least, that’s the way it felt.

Tyler Herro took a while to get going, but he did finish with 19. Max Strus also chipped in 15, while Gabe Vincent also added in 13 of his own.

P.J. Tucker also finished with 13, continuing to show off an improved floater that he has added to his tool chest. It’s actually a pretty nice driving-counter off of the long-range pump fake.

The man of the hour though was the returning hope, Jimmy Butler. He would finish with a triple-double of 31 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists, continuing to perpetuate the JiMVP narrative.

The Heat would need all of that too, as this game seemed to be one that could get out of hand early. Speaking of getting out of hand though, one guy didn’t for the Pelicans and that’s worth a note.

Having an amazing season, on pace for 50-60-90 shooting splits, and a double-double machine, Jonas Valanciunas was held to just 13 points and eight rebounds on the night. That’s a win if you are Miami, Dewayne Dedmon, and Udonis Haslem (a story in himself… and yes, it will happen), because JV is a tank when he’s going good… or anytime, for that matter.

The Miami Heat got a win and that’s all that matters. They’ll get some rest before welcoming in Washington for the second half of a back to back on Thursday, but the first half of a home and home set with them that will conclude in Washington on Saturday.