MIAMI Heat star Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the second half of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics due to right knee inflammation.
Butler scored eight points in 20 first-half minutes but Victor Oladipo started in his place in the third quarter. The Heat subsequently announced Butler was done for the night.
Just 63 seconds into the third quarter, Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart was helped off the court after sustaining a sprained right ankle.
Smart was injured while competing for a rebound with Miami’s Kyle Lowry. Smart’s ankle rolled on the floor and Lowry landed on it. Smart grabbed for the ankle and screamed loudly.
Smart had seven points, three assists and two rebounds before heading back for treatment. He returned to the bench area with 7:01 left in the third quarter and reentered the contest nine seconds later.
Boston forward Jayson Tatum sustained an apparent right shoulder injury with 5:33 left in the fourth quarter. Tatum went to the locker room for evaluation.
Tatum was injured while Oladipo was stealing the ball. He remained on the court as play continued and the Celtics eventually called timeout with 5:18 left. He ended up returning to the game.
Miami led 62-47 at the break. The best-of-seven series is tied at one game apiece. — Reuters