After serving an eight-game suspension, Jimmy Butler returned to the Miami Heat lineup on Wednesday night against the Denver Nuggets. However, the Heat fell 112-108 despite Butler's 25-point performance.
Butler's return provided an immediate boost to the Heat offense. He assisted Tyler Herro for a three-pointer on his first possession and scored 15 points in the first half.
However, Butler's defense was a mixed bag. He guarded Nikola Jokić effectively at times but also gave up a few easy baskets. Overall, he finished with a -6 net rating in his 29 minutes of play.
The Nets took advantage of the Heat's sluggish defense in the second half, outscoring them 60-47. Kyrie Irving led the way with 35 points, while Kevin Durant added 25.
The Nets also benefited from Andre Drummond's strong performance off the bench. He grabbed 19 rebounds, including 9 offensive rebounds, and contributed 11 points.
The Heat's loss was a disappointing setback in their quest for a top seed in the Eastern Conference. They have now lost three of their last five games.
The Heat's defense, which has been a strength for them all season, struggled to contain the Nets' high-powered offense.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst: "Jimmy Butler's return was a bit of a mixed bag for the Heat. He provided a scoring boost but struggled defensively at times. The Heat need to find a way to integrate him back into their lineup while maintaining their defensive identity."
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz: "The Nets are proving to be a legitimate contender in the East. They have a potent offense and a strong interior presence in Andre Drummond. They could make a deep playoff run this year."
Jimmy Butler's return to the Heat lineup was a welcome sight, but the team still has some kinks to work out in terms of his integration. The Nets, on the other hand, are playing with confidence and look like a team that could make some noise in the playoffs.
The Heat will look to bounce back on Friday night when they host the Golden State Warriors. The Nets will face off against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.
