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Warriors vs. Heat final score, results: Miami spoils Jimmy Butler’s return, rolls to blowout win

After a five-and-a-half year stint with the Heat that included two All-Star selections, five playoff appearances, two runs to the NBA Finals and a drama-filled exit, Jimmy Butler returned to Miami on Tuesday night. His chance at a revenge performance, however, was spoiled by his former squad.

The Heat rolled to a 112-86 win over the Warriors led by a 27-point performance from Bam Adebayo. Golden State, which was without Stephen Curry for the matchup, was playing keep-up from the start. Miami had some extra energy in front of its home crowd and made 17 total 3-pointers.

Butler didn’t have much of a standout performance in his first game against the Heat since being dealt to the Warriors in the blockbuster 2025 NBA trade deadline move. After trade requests, team suspensions and a lingering tension between Butler and the rest of the Heat organization, the trade to Golden State finally put an end to an ugly situation — but Butler, usually known for stepping up in big moments, totaled just 11 points and struggled to orchestrate Golden State’s offense Tuesday.

For the Warriors, the loss was just their fifth since acquiring Butler. They’ve skyrocketed up the Western Conference standings recently, but couldn’t find much momentum in Miami. However, the Heat got a key win, as Erik Spoelstra’s squad had gone just 5-17 since the Butler trade entering Tuesday. Miami is still contending for a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference.

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For the most part, the Heat gave Butler a warm welcome prior to Tuesday’s game, including a video tribute. But from there, Miami took care of business on the court, shutting down its former star and the rest of his new Warriors squad. 

The Sporting News tracked live updates and highlights as Jimmy Butler made his return to Miami in Warriors vs. Heat on Tuesday. Here’s what you may have missed.

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Warriors vs. Heat score

 

SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Jimmy Butler stats today

  • Minutes: 29
  • Points: 11
  • Rebounds: 6
  • Assists: 2
  • Steals: 1
  • Blocks: 0
  • Turnovers: 0
  • Fouls: 0
  • FGs: 5-12
  • 3Ps: 0-2

Warriors vs. Heat updates, highlights from Jimmy Butler’s return to Miami

(All times ET)

Final: Heat 112, Warriors 86

9:56 p.m. — The Heat roll to a 26-point win behind a 27-point night from Bam Adebayo. Miami’s length in the frontcourt and 17 3-pointers were too much for Butler and the Warriors, who lose just their fifth game since the blockbuster trade. Ultimately, Miami spoils Butler’s return to south Florida.

9:55 p.m. — Butler finishes his return to Miami with 29 minutes played, scoring 11 points in a disappointing result for Golden State. The Heat certainly came to play, but this Warriors squad also struggles without Curry on the floor. Golden State shot 23.7% from 3-point range. 

9:53 p.m. — Tyler Herro knocked down his fourth 3-pointer to make it a 20-point lead for Miami. 

9:39 p.m. — Miami is holding onto its lead in the fourth quarter, up 95-75. Butler remains at 11 points, doing most of his work in the third frame.

End of third quarter: Heat 83, Warriors 70

9:26 p.m. — With one quarter remaining, the Heat have been spoiling Butler’s return to Miami. Golden State is only down 13, though, within striking distance if it can get some offense going. Adebayo leads both sides with 23 points.

9:21 p.m. — Golden State has pulled within 13, and Butler is finally up to double-digit points. But the Heat haven’t slowed down. Ware connected on an unreal reverse layup, showing the kind of night it’s been for Miami:

9:08 p.m. — All five Heat starters are in double-figure points totals. They’ve taken full advantage of the Curry-less Warriors on both ends of the floor, as Golden State is shooting just 37.5% from the field as a team.

9:02 p.m. — Miami is only extending its lead early in the first half. The Heat have had some extra energy tonight despite a recent losing streak; Adebayo went coast-to-coast with some impressive handles for a center. Butler has gotten a few more buckets in the early third quarter, though.

Halftime: Heat 57, Warriors 40

8:45 p.m. — At the break, the Heat are up 17, dominating defensively. Adebayo, Herro and Burks are all in double-digit scoring already, and Miami is shooting 8-11 from deep. Herro sent the game to halftime with a corner 3.

8:35 p.m. — Wiggins is having a nice first half against his former team. He’s up to eight points and three rebounds, including a spinning bucket:

8:27 p.m. — As halftime approaches, the Heat are up 12. Butler sits at just two points, as do the rest of Golden State’s starters. Ware and Adebayo have combined for 24 points. 

8:15 p.m. — Miami is rolling at home so far. Kel’el Ware swatted a Butler layup attempt, and the Heat lead 39-28.

End of first quarter: Heat 28, Warriors 22

8:04 p.m. — At the end of the first quarter, Miami leads 28-22 thanks to 13 points from Adebayo. The Warriors have gotten back in it, with their bench producing 14 points. Butler hasn’t been very active through 12 minutes.

7:51 p.m. — Golden State starts 1-7 from deep, while Miami has connected on five of its first nine shots. The Warriors are missing Steph Curry in the early minutes.

7:44 p.m. — The Heat have taken command early. Butler notched the Warriors’ lone points so far on a floater, but Golden State trails 9-2.

7:43 p.m. — Bam Adebayo brings some early energy for Miami by throwing down a dunk with his former teammate, Butler, in the vicinity.

7:40 p.m. — Here’s a closer look at Butler’s reception by the Heat crowd.

7:38 p.m. — They’ve tipped off in Miami. Alec Burks opens the scoring with a 3-pointer.

Pregame

7:36 p.m. — The Heat played a video tribute for Butler before the game. A look at that, plus Butler’s reaction:

7:28 p.m. — There seems to be no love lost between Butler and his former Miami teammates. 

7:25 p.m. — Butler told Taylor Rooks that he has “nothing to say” to Pat Riley, and “Pat better have nothing to say to me.” There’s still a clear disconnect between the former Heat star and the team’s president after a dramatic exit.

7:24 p.m. — Shaq has some high expectations for Jimmy Buckets tonight.

7:19 p.m. — Tonight also marks Andrew Wiggins’ return to Golden State after a successful stint with the team, winning a title in 2022. 

7:14 p.m. — No Steph Curry for the Warriors tonight. Butler will have a clearer path to scoring chances against his former squad. 

Warriors starters:

  • Brandon Podziemski
  • Moses Moody
  • Jimmy Butler
  • Gary Payton II
  • Draymond Green

Heat starters:

  • Alec Burks
  • Tyler Herro
  • Andrew Wiggins
  • Kel’el Ware
  • Bam Adebayo

5:53 p.m. — Butler has spoken about his exit from Miami and first few weeks with the Warriors a bit more recently. According to The Athletic, he said the term “Heat Culture” can be “overused” despite the Heat having a strong organization. He also noted his fit with Golden State so far in an environment prioritizing winning above all else.

When it comes to his return to Miami, Butler said he knows “the (Miami) fan base really appreciates myself and what I’ve done there” and “It’s not always going to end the way that you want it to end.” But he added that he won’t be treating tonight’s game any differently, saying “it’s not going to be Jimmy Butler trying to score 70.”

5:51 p.m. — Butler warming up as an opponent in Miami for the first time in years:

5:48 p.m. — Miami is rocking its white “vice” jerseys tonight.

5:46 p.m. — Jimmy Butler is in the building for his first matchup against the Heat since February’s trade:

Warriors vs. Heat start time

  • Date: Tuesday, March 25
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Butler’s return to Miami will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The game will be played at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

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What channel is Warriors vs. Heat on today?

Tuesday’s game between the Warriors and Heat will be broadcast on TNT. Fans can also stream the game through Sling.

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Warriors schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Golden State’s upcoming schedule:

Date Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Mar. 28 at Pelicans 8 p.m. —
Mar. 30 at Spurs 7 p.m. —
Apr. 1 at Grizzlies 8 p.m. —
Apr. 3 at Lakers 10 p.m. TNT, truTV
Apr. 4 vs. Nuggets 10 p.m. NBATV

Heat schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Miami’s upcoming schedule:

Date Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Mar. 27 vs. Hawks 7:30 p.m. —
Mar. 29 at 76ers 7:30 p.m. —
Mar. 31 at Wizards 7 p.m. —
Apr. 2 at Celtics 7:30 p.m. —
Apr. 3 vs. Grizzlies 7:30 p.m. TNT

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