Heat’s Jimmy Butler Leaves Miami’s Game 3 Win With Knee Injury

The six-time All-Star was ruled for the rest of Saturday’s contest against the Celtics after logging 20 minutes in the first half.

Miami Heat star guard Jimmy Butler didn’t return to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals due to right knee inflammation.

#MIAvsBOS INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler left tonight's Game 3 with right knee inflammation and will not return.

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 22, 2022

However, Butler’s injury “isn’t being considered serious” and it’s possible he’ll play Game 4, according to Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes.

Butler, 32, did not re-take the floor following halftime after logging 20 minutes in the first half against the Celtics. The six-time All-Star recorded eight points, three rebounds and two assists as Miami blitzed Boston early en route to taking a 62–47 lead into the break, and held on to win, 109–103, after a late Celtics rally cut the deficit to one point.

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While Butler’s status for Game 4 is unknown at this time, his absence creates a sizable void on both ends of the floor for the No. 1 seed Heat. The veteran wing previously missed Game 5 against the Hawks in the first round due to the same injury; Miami went on to defeat Atlanta, 97–94, to close the series.

The Heat own a 2–1 lead over the Celtics after Saturday’s win.

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