Miami Heat spoil Jimmy Butler’s return to South Beach as Steph Curry sits out- March 2025

On March 25, 2025, the Miami Heat hosted the Golden State Warriors at Kaseya Center, delivering a decisive 112-86 victory that highlighted both the team’s prowess and the complexities surrounding Jimmy Butler’s return to Miami.

Game Highlights:

• Miami Heat:
  • Bam Adebayo: Led the team with 27 points, showcasing his dominance in the paint.
  • Tyler Herro: Contributed 20 points, providing a consistent scoring presence.
  • Alec Burks: Added 18 points off the bench, offering a spark in the second unit.
• Golden State Warriors:
  • Jimmy Butler: In his first game back in Miami since his trade, Butler scored 11 points.
  • Andrew Wiggins: Facing his former team, Wiggins contributed 10 points, five rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals.
  • Gary Payton II: Led the Warriors with 14 points, attempting to fill the void left by Curry’s absence.

The Heat’s dominance was further underscored by their exceptional three-point shooting, converting 17 of 25 attempts. In contrast, the Warriors struggled from beyond the arc, making only 9 of 38 attempts, a disparity that significantly influenced the game’s outcome.

Jimmy Butler’s Return:

Before the game, Miami honored Butler’s contributions with a 90-second tribute video showcasing highlights from his tenure with the Heat, including memorable moments like his iconic stance during the 2020 NBA Finals. The video concluded with a standing ovation from the crowd as Butler was introduced last among the Warriors’ starters.

However, Butler’s return was marked by mixed emotions. Despite the warm reception, ESPN analyst Bobby Marks criticized Heat fans for cheering Butler, given his controversial departure earlier in the season. Butler had demanded a trade in January and was subsequently suspended multiple times before joining the Warriors in February.

For more details on the game, including box scores and play-by-play analysis, visit the Miami Heat’s official website.