Heat closing in on playoff series victory against Atlanta

The Miami Heat rode Jimmy Butler’s 36 points and a smothering defense to throttle Atlanta 110-86 Sunday night.

The victory gave the Heat a 3-1 lead in their first-round playoff series. They can clinch the series with a victory Tuesday at home.

“Everybody is in my ear about staying aggressing, taking more shots,” Butler said. “Tonight was a good one. We’ve got another one we’ve got to get.”

Miami also played without point guard Kyle Lowry, who nursed a strained left hamstring.

The Heat smothered Atlanta guard Trey Young, who scored only nine points with five assists and five turnovers.

– Joe Henderson, Extensive Enterprises Media