Jimmy Butler Amazes, But Heat Hot Streak Ends With OT Loss To Pistons

Tim Hardaway Jr. turned into the ultimate game-changer in overtime, knocking down three massive 3-pointers to lift the Detroit Pistons to a 125-124 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday, snapping Miami’s four-game win streak in the process.

With his clutch shooting, Hardaway, who finished with 17 points, turned what seemed like an almost certain Heat win into a thrilling Pistons triumph.

Cade Cunningham also delivered a performance for the ages. The rising star racked up a career-high 18 assists to go with 20 points and 11 rebounds, securing his sixth triple-double of the season.

Malik Beasley was on fire, leading Detroit with 28 points and hitting 7 of 13 from deep, giving the Pistons the offensive spark they needed in a game full of twists.

The Heat, led by the ever-reliable Jimmy Butler, made a valiant comeback from a 19-point deficit. Butler posted a jaw-dropping 35 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, pushing the Heat all the way to the brink. Miami’s late-game magic nearly pulled it off as they closed regulation with an 18-2 run, followed by an 8-0 spurt to start overtime. But despite their best efforts, the Heat couldn’t finish the job.

Hardaway’s back-to-back 3-pointers pulled the Pistons within two, and after a missed jumper by Tyler Herro, Hardaway hit another deep ball, giving Detroit the lead at 123-122 with less than a minute to play.

Butler and Cunningham exchanged clutch buckets, but after Herro missed a potential game-winner, the Pistons held on. Miami couldn’t capitalize on one last chance after a turnover, and Detroit walked away with the win.

Detroit’s sharpshooting was the difference, as they shot 50% (20 of 40) from three-point range despite being down key players like Jaden Ivey and Tobias Harris.

The Pistons were even dealt a blow when Isaiah Stewart went down with a hyperextended knee in the first half, but they showed resilience, especially from Hardaway and Cunningham.

As for Miami, it wasn’t all bad—Butler’s historic stat line was a highlight. He became just the third player in NBA history to put up at least 35 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals in a game, joining DeMarcus Cousins and George McGinnis in the record books. But it wasn’t enough to overcome Detroit’s explosive finish.