Jimmy Butler conjured up a stunning 56-point efficiency because the Miami Heat rallied to push the Milwaukee Bucks to the brink of NBA playoff elimination on Monday, whereas LeBron James led an additional time rally to provide the Los Angeles Lakers a dominant benefit. sequence chief over the Memphis Grizzlies.

In an electrifying battle at Miami’s Kaseya Middle, Butler virtually single-handedly led Miami to a 119-114 victory that leaves the Bucks down 3-1 within the best-of-seven Jap Convention first-round sequence.

Within the Western Convention, the second-seeded Grizzlies are additionally trying down the barrel of an early playoff exit after the Lakers cruised to a 117-111 victory to take a 3-1 sequence lead.

James completed with 22 factors, 20 rebounds and 7 assists and notched a game-tying driving layup with 0.8 seconds remaining within the fourth quarter to pressure additional time.

James then magnificently coached the Lakers in additional time, scoring 4 factors to place the Lakers nearby of the convention semifinals.

However the efficiency of the day got here in Miami, the place Butler’s 56 factors had been the fourth-highest particular person scoring complete in an NBA playoff sport in historical past.

Solely Michael Jordan (63 factors), Elgin Baylor (61) and Donovan Mitchell (57) have scored extra in a postseason sport.

Milwaukee, which welcomed Giannis Antetokounmpo again into its lineup after lacking two video games with damage, seemed to be cruising to victory after main from the opening seconds and protecting Miami at arm’s size all through.

– ‘Full workforce effort’ –

Milwaukee led by 14 factors early within the fourth quarter and regarded set to sq. the sequence at two video games apiece after a ruthless capturing efficiency by Brook Lopez, with Antetokounmpo offering scoring assist.

However Butler led a surprising 13-0 run late within the sport to show the sport round and with the group cheering, he scored 21 factors within the fourth quarter to depart the Bucks reeling from the loss.

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra praised Butler’s basketball intelligence.

“He is one of many smartest basketball gamers on this affiliation,” Spoelstra mentioned.

“He understands what we’re making an attempt to do and he understands what they’re making an attempt to do, and so they’re an excellent workforce.”

Butler mentioned that his solo masterpiece was the results of a “full workforce effort”.

“I do know everybody sees the 56 factors, but when my teammates aren’t trying to give me the ball, or put up massive screens, the place I can get to my proper or left or to the free throw line, this sport is rather a lot.” completely different,” Butler mentioned.

“There have been a variety of photographs entering into tonight. However my teammates stored passing me the ball and telling me to assault. When you will have teammates like that, good issues occur.”

Crucially, Butler’s haul included 22 factors within the first quarter, a scoring explosion that helped Miami keep in contact.

– Lakers depart him late –

No different Miami participant surpassed 20 factors, with Bam Adebayo being Miami’s subsequent main scorer with 15 factors. Solely two different Miami gamers achieved double figures.

Lopez completed with 36 factors and 11 rebounds whereas Antetokounmpo had a triple double in his return with 26 factors, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.

“We had our alternatives within the fourth quarter, however we did not make sufficient performs on both finish, and so they did,” mentioned Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, whose workforce should now win Sport 5 in Milwaukee on Wednesday to stick with life.

In Los Angeles, the Lakers additionally made it late earlier than subduing a resurgent Grizzlies in additional time.

Memphis appeared nicely positioned to degree the sequence after opening up a seven-point lead with simply over 5 minutes remaining within the fourth quarter.

However the Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell hit three straight 3-pointers to show the sport round and provides the hosts a 99-97 lead.

In a frantic closing jiffy, Memphis took a 104-102 lead with simply seconds left after a sensational cross behind Ja Morant arrange Desmond Bane for a working layup.

However James conjured his game-tying drive to pressure additional time and the Lakers beefed up the protection to seal out the win.

“We had a refusal to surrender the following play mentality,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham mentioned. “I am very happy with the way in which we fought.

“We had moments within the sport that weren’t very fairly. However we stored transferring ahead, we did not get discouraged and we did not crumble.”

Ham reserved particular reward for the 38-year-old James’ management down the stretch.

“All his travels, all the outstanding issues he is achieved, he nonetheless has that zeal, that grit to be on high,” Ham mentioned. “And that is what he wears… that is been his entire profession.”

Bane led Memphis in scoring with 36 factors whereas Morant completed with 22.