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Jimmy Butler: 40 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists
Photo: Mark J. Terrill / AP
The underdog gets his first victory: Miami Heat won the third game of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers 115: 104 on Sunday.
This means that the Lakers are now only 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Mainly responsible for Miami's victory was the outstanding Jimmy Butler, who managed a triple double with 40 points, eleven rebounds and 13 assists.
Miami started the duel better (22: 9), although Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic were again missing two top performers.
After a break, LA stabilized and took the 32:30 lead in the second section.
But Miami recovered and ultimately decided each district for itself.
The stars of the Lakers, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, weren't as accurate this time as Butler.
Davis, who had trumped in the first two games, get 15 points.
However, due to too many fouls, he was limited in his style of play early in the game.
James had 25 points, lost eight balls and was so frustrated that he left the field before the clock ran out.
But he still praised the strong butler: "I thought Jimmy was phenomenal. He did a great job in this great game."
"We all sat up on him"
Miami's rookie Tyler Herro was happy to have Butler by his side.
"We all know how Jimmy turns up in moments like this. It was amazing. He hit on the offensive - and defensively defended LeBron. We all sat up on him," said Herro.
Butler passed the praise on to his colleagues: "You made a lot of space for me. It was an easy job for me."
Game four takes place on Wednesday night.
James was calm despite the defeat: "We're not worried. We know we can play a lot better."
Miami, on the other hand, has drawn hope.
"I think we get it now," said Butler.
You have now seen "that they are definitely beatable".
Still, the Lakers are even closer to winning the Finals.
They are still missing two wins for the title.
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ptz / dpa / sid