The Golden State Warriors turned in a high‑octane performance Monday night to defeat the Miami Heat 135–112, showcasing elite shooting and balanced scoring — but the win came with a significant and concerning development.
Early Competitive Opening
The game started as a tight contest, with both teams trading punches through the first half.
Miami kept things close by attacking in transition and through early scoring from Norman Powell, while Golden State countered with efficient ball movement and perimeter shooting.
At halftime the Warriors held a slim lead — 70–66 — as both offenses found rhythm.
Warriors Take Control
In the second half, Golden State separated from Miami thanks to a torrid shooting night from beyond the arc.
The Warriors finished 24‑for‑51 (47.1%) from three, exploiting Miami’s rotations and forcing the Heat into difficult closeouts.
Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski were catalysts, hitting key shots to extend the lead.
Brandin Podziemski led all scorers with 24 points, pacing a deep Warriors attack.
Stephen Curry added 19 points and 11 assists, orchestrating the offense and creating open looks for others.
Buddy Hield also contributed in rhythm, knocking down multiple threes and finishing with 16 points.
Turning Point — Butler Injury
The night’s storyline dramatically shifted midway through the third quarter when Jimmy Butler, facing his former team, suffered a serious right knee injury.
Butler, who had scored 17 points in 21 minutes, landed awkwardly after a play in the paint and immediately signaled distress, forcing him out for the remainder of the game.
Heat teammates helped him off the court, and he was heading for further evaluation postgame.
The injury not only removed Miami’s leading scorer but also disrupted the team’s offensive flow and morale.
Heat Struggles to Respond
After Butler’s exit, Miami’s offense stagnated, and Golden State capitalized with a decisive 12‑0 run that pushed the lead firmly in the Warriors’ favor.
The Heat never regained traction in the fourth quarter, and the deficit ballooned to as much as 23 points late in the game.
Norman Powell led Miami with 21 points, while Andrew Wiggins scored 18 in his return to San Francisco since being traded.
Bam Adebayo struggled offensively, shooting just 1‑for‑13, though he battled on the boards.
Statistical Edge
The Warriors dominated several key statistical areas:
Field goal percentage: Warriors 51.6% vs. Heat 39.4%
Three‑point shooting: Warriors 47.1% vs. Heat 28.9%
Assists: Warriors 38 vs. Heat 30 (
Turnovers: Warriors 13 vs. Heat 19
What It Means
Golden State’s victory extended their strong midseason momentum, pushing the team to its fourth straight win and showcasing its depth and shooting ability.
However, the loss of Butler — a consistent primary scorer and veteran leader — looms large for Miami as they begin a tough five‑game West Coast road trip.
The Heat will now turn their attention to recovery news and adjustments without one of their top playmakers.
