Butler scores 36 as Heat down Nets

MANILA, Philippines -- Jimmy Butler erupted for 36 points and steered the red-hot Miami Heat to a win over the Brooklyn Nets, 122-115, in their NBA clash Friday morning (Manila time.)

Butler shot an efficient 12-of-19 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line to give the Heat their seventh straight victory.

With Miami leading by eight, 60-52, at the half, "Jimmy Buckets" scored 18 points in the third quarter as he helped the Heat take a 95-83 cushion going into the fourth quarter.

With Butler on the bench, Miami's lead grew to 17, 104-87, with 9:44 remaining in the game.

It was enough breathing room for the Heat, as seven points was the closest the Nets got to.

A layup by Cameron Johnson cut the lead, 113-120, with 1:22 left in the game, but Butler answered with a layup for his only field goal in the fourth quarter for the dagger, 122-113.

A Day'Ron Sharpe hook shot set the final score.

Aside from the 36 points, Butler had five rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal.

Duncan Robinson followed suit with 26 points for the Heat. Bam Adebayo had 20 and seven for last year's runners-up.

Six Nets ended the game in double-digits, led by Mikal Bridges and Lonnie Walker IV, who both had 23 markers.

Miami is now holding an 8-4 win-loss slate, while Brooklyn dropped to 6-6.