Tensions were high at the Kaseya Center for Game 3 of the New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup. Both teams entered play in a 1-1 tie, looking to take the series lead.
Jimmy Butler’s return to the Heat lineup after missing Game 2 provided an early spark, helping Miami take a commanding 58-44 lead by halftime. This lead would continue into the third quarter, where a small skirmish briefly broke out between the two teams.
It all began after Knicks guard Immanuel Quickley rose for a layup with 15 seconds remaining in the third. While Quickley’s shot went in without a hiccup, the boxout battle in the paint intensified.
We saw Tyler Zeller shove Knicks All-Star Julius Randle in the back, causing the power forward to fall to the ground. Then Isaiah Hartenstein, clearly upset by what he saw, pushed Zeller as well. Miami’s Caleb Martin then got involved, trying to hold back Zeller before getting in Hartenstein’s face, shoving him away as well.
Here is the clip that started the scuffle.
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Three technical fouls were issued. One to Zeller, one to Martin, and another to Hartenstein.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler, enjoying a nice 17-point lead, didn’t seem to care at all, and had some fun while the referees sorted out the issue via replay review.
He was dancing a bit on the floor, and even started spinning a basketball on his finger, showing he had little concern for what just occurred, knowing his team was in a strong position heading into the fourth quarter.
In other words, Butler looks quite relaxed for someone dealing with an ankle sprain, but the numbers on the scoreboard likely are a big reason why.