The Latest Breaking News from Jimmy Butler

Butler erupted for 56 points in a masterful performance to push top-seeded Milwaukee to the brink of elimination.

MIAMI — It was back to double duty Sunday for Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, with it still unclear when All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will be able to return to duty for the Milwaukee Bucks in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

MILWAUKEE — This is what happens when you are a No. 1 seed playing a No. 8 seed:

DeRozan, Jimmy Butler, De’Aaron Fox were the finalists for the Clutch Award, but it was Fox in a landslide.

In the moment, the gravity was difficult to discern. On one hand, in this case the right hand, Tyler Herro was in considerable anguish. On the other hand, he still was ambulatory and able enough to launch a successful 3-pointer in the waning seconds of the first half of Sunday’s…

You know how they go to the facial close-up in the movies to signal a sudden change in plot? Some look of eye-widening surprise? Some painful cry for help?

MILWAUKEE — The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks both lost important players in the opening game of their first-round series. But it was the Heat that escaped Game 1 with an impressive win to send a statement to the heavily favored Bucks.

DeRozan joins De'Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler as the three finalists.

The Heat and Timberwolves moved on to the postseason, while the Bulls and Thunder were sent packing. Here’s what we learned from the final games before the playoffs.