Butler scores 56 as Heat put Bucks on edge
Jimmy Butler scored a Miami playoff record 56 points, and the Heat roared back from 14 points down in the final quarter to stun the Milwaukee Bucks 119-114 on Monday night to put the NBA's top overall seed on the brink of early elimination.
The 56 points also became Butler's career high. He was 19 for 28 from the field, 15 of 18 from the foul line and added nine rebounds for eighth-seeded Miami — which took a 3-1 lead over the Bucks in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Game 5 is at Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Brook Lopez had 36 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a two-game absence with a bruised back and had26 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.
HAWKS' MURRAY SUSPENDED ONE GAME >>
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been suspended for Game 5 of the team's playoff series today against the Boston Celtics with Atlanta facing the end of its season. The NBA announced that Murray will have to sit out one game without pay for making inappropriate contact with an official, as well as verbal abuse.
The incident occurred after the Hawks' 129-121 loss in Game 4. After the horn sounded to end the game, Murray was captured on video bumping official Gediminas Petraitis with his chest while walking off the court. The player then turned to yell something at the referee before he was pulled away and directed toward the locker room.
CLIPPERS' LEONARD OUT FOR GAME 5 >>
Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a third straight playoff game for the Los Angeles Clippers, who are facing elimination against the Phoenix Suns. The Clippers listed the fivetime All-Star as out in their injury update for tonight's Game 5 in Phoenix.
Leonard has a sprained right knee. He hurt his knee in Game 1 and played through it in Game 2, but his condition worsened. He missed Games 3 and 4 and the Clippers lost both contests.
JAZZ'S MARKKANEN SELECTED AS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER >>
All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz was announced as the winner of this season's most improved award. Markkanen shattered his career-best for points per game this season, averaging 25.6 — a 73% increase over his average of 14.8 last season with Cleveland.