Butler scores 31 points to help Heat beat Kings 115-106 and snap 7-game skid

MIAMI (AP) Jimmy Butler scored 31 points and the Miami Heat snapped a seven-game skid with a 115-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.

Butler shot 10 of 14 from the field and had seven rebounds for the Heat, who ended their longest losing streak since dropping 15 straight during the 2007-08 season. Josh Richardson was 6 of 10 from 3-point range and finished with a season-high 24 points. Bam Adebayo added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

The Heat finished with a season-high 38 assists in their 1,500th regular-season victory.

Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis had 19 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists for his 13th triple-double of the season. It was also Sabonis’ 29th consecutive game with at least a double-double, putting him two behind Oscar Robertson’s franchise record set in 1961.

Keegan Murray scored 33 points and Kevin Huerter had 14 for the Kings, who have not won in Miami since October 2018.

The game was finished with two officials after referee Brandon Adair didn’t work the second half because of an injury.

Consecutive 3-pointers from Tyler Herro and Butler midway through the third period put the Heat ahead for good at 73-70. Richardson’s fifth 3-pointer with 4:28 remaining in the fourth quarter increased the lead to 106-93.

Down 18 midway through the second quarter, Sacramento closed the first half on a 24-10 spurt and got within four at 59-55 at the break. Sabonis scored seven consecutive points and Keegan Murray hit two 3-pointers during the surge.

Richardson had 11 points, including three 3-pointers, that keyed the Heat’s 49-31 lead to start the second period.

Miami forward Duncan Robinson is in concussion protocol and didn’t play. Robinson fell ill early during Monday’s loss against Phoenix and didn’t return.

UP NEXT

Kings: Visit Indiana on Friday.

Heat: Visit Washington on Friday.

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