MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin –  Butler established a team playoff record with 56 points, and the Miami Heat overcame a 15-point hole to defeat the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 119 to 114 and grab a 3 to 1 series lead in the Eastern Conference.

Butler scored 19 points on 28 attempts for the eighth-seeded Heat, who took over the series. Butler surpassed LeBron James’ previous scoring record of 49 points, which he achieved on May 12, 2014, during a playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets. In both the regular season and the postseason, Butler set new personal records.

Butler tied for fourth place among NBA postseason players with 56 points in one contest. He falls behind Donovan Mitchell (57, Utah Jazz, 2020), Elgin Baylor (61, Los Angeles Lakers, 1962), and Michael Jordan (63 for the Chicago Bulls in 1986). Jordan (1992 Bulls), Charles Barkley (1994 Phoenix Suns), and Wilt Chamberlain (1962 Philadelphia Warriors) all scored 56 points as well.

The top-seeded Bucks’ Brook Lopez finished with 36 points and 11 rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds in his first game back after missing the previous two due to a back issue.

On Wednesday night at Milwaukee, Game 5 will have a chance to decide the series in favor of the Heat.

Caleb Martin had 12 points for Miami, which didn’t take the lead until 3:17 remained in the game. Bam Adebayo added 15 points and eight rebounds.

With 1:20 left in the game, Butler, who had 21 points in the fourth quarter, led the Heat to victory by sinking a 3-pointer to put them ahead 110 to 109.

Adebayo scored two free throws to cap a 9 to 0 run, which gave Miami a 116 to 109 lead with 32.7 seconds left after Butler followed up with a 22-footer and two free throws to increase the lead to five.

As the Heat finished it off, the Bucks could only go as close as four points.

In Game 1, Antetokounmpo suffered a back injury and was forced to miss the following two games. The games were split by the Bucks.

The Heat were down 33 to 28 despite Butler’s 22 points on 9 of 10 shooting in the opening frame. Milwaukee had a 57 to 50 edge at the half and an 89 to 78 advantage going into the fourth frame.