Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8), of Japan, dribbles the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat forward Kelly Olynyk (9) and center Bam Adebayo (13), Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Tyler Herro scored a career-high 31 points and Jimmy Butler nearly had a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as the Miami Heat beat the short-handed Washington Wizards 128-124 on Saturday night.
Miami (4-4) has alternated wins and losses through its first eight games. The Wizards (2-8) lost their third straight game and are winless in five home games.
Washington played without the NBA's leading scorer, Bradley Beal, who was a late scratch when he was placed in the NBA's Health and Safety Protocol.
They were also without their other starting guard, Russell Westbrook, out with a left quad injury. Westbrook, who had triple-doubles in his first four games with the Wizards, was intending to play the second half of a back-to-back for the first time after sitting out the first two.
Washington's starting center, Thomas Bryant, suffered a left knee injury less than two minutes into the game, and didn't return.
Garrison Mathews led the Wizards with 22 points. Deni Avdija scored 20.
The Heat, which led nearly all the way, outscored the Wizards 28-15 in the third quarter to take a 103-86 lead.
TIP-INS
Heat: G Goran Dragic had 21 points on seven 3-pointers. '¦ C Bam Adebayo had 16 rebounds despite playing only 21 minutes due to foul trouble.
Wizards: Coach Scott Brooks was assessed a technical in the fourth quarter. '¦ The Capital City Go-Go, Washington's G League affiliate, will flex assign players to the Erie Bayhawks, New Orleans' G League affiliate, during the season that begins next month in Orlando, Florida.
UP NEXT
Heat: Visit the Celtics on Sunday.
Wizards: Host the Suns on Monday.
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Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura (8), of Japan, shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija, center, dribbles the ball next to Miami Heat forward KZ Okpala, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. Also seen is Wizards guard Raul Neto at left. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) passes the ball between Washington Wizards center Robin Lopez (15) and forward Davis Bertans (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) goes to the basket next to Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa (5) and forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) passes the ball next to Washington Wizards forward Troy Brown Jr. (6) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Wizards center Moritz Wagner (21) goes to the basket against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Wizards center Robin Lopez (15) looks to pass against Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) battles for the ball against Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. Heat forwards Kelly Olynyk (9) and Jimmy Butler (22) look on. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija, left, goes to the basket past Miami Heat forward Precious Achiuwa (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington. Achiuwa was called for a foul on the play. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press