Heat go 40-of-40 from stripe, edge Thunder

LOS ANGELES – Jimmy Butler led a record-breaking shooting display from the free-throw line as the Miami Heat edged past the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-111 on Tuesday.

Butler finished with a perfect 23-of-23 free throws – including a clutch game-winner with just under 13 seconds remaining – in a nail-biting victory at the FTX Arena.

Butler’s haul was part of a remarkable 40-for-40 free throws made by Miami, breaking the old record of 39-for-39 made by Utah against Portland in 1982.

Butler said afterwards he had been oblivious to Miami’s record-breaking night from the foul line.

“I had no idea,” Butler told reporters. “I’m more excited that we won this game by one point.”

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra was also unaware of his team’s free-throw record.

“I didn’t realize we hadn’t missed a free throw,” Spoelstra said. “We’ve been a very good free-throw shooting team all year, but that’s crazy.”

Miami trailed 111-106 with less than a minute remaining but fought back with a Victor Oladipo three-pointer and a Butler layup to tie the game.

Butler’s 23rd free throw of the night edged Miami into a one-point lead with just under 13 seconds remaining.