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Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler leaves Game 3 win over Boston Celtics with knee inflammation

BOSTON -- Miami Heat swingman Jimmy Butler did not return to Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics because of right knee inflammation.

The Heat made the announcement just after the start of the third quarter. They held on for a 109-103 win over Boston to now lead the series 2-1.

It was unclear when Butler suffered the injury, but he did not warm up for the second half with the rest of his teammates.

Butler also missed Game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Atlanta Hawks with the same injury, after hurting the knee in Game 4 of the same series.