Butler's triple-double leads Heat past Lakers to force Game 6 in NBA finals

WASHINGTON - Jimmy Butler delivered a sensational triple-double performance to help the Miami Heat defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 111-108 in Game 5 of the NBA finals on Friday, keeping their season alive for at least one more game.

Butler finished with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists for the Heat, while Duncan Robinson added 26 points on 7-for-13 3-point shooting.

Lakers star LeBron James had 40 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists and Anthony Davis put up 28 points and 12 rebounds.

The Heat led for most of the game, thanks to brilliant performances from Butler and Robinson, but the Lakers came roaring back in the fourth quarter to take the lead behind the outstanding play of James.

Lakers guard Danny Green missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer, followed by a Markieff Morris turnover in the last minute, Heat guard Tyler Herro closed the game out for the Heat with a pair of free throws.

"That's what my team asked of me. That's what they needed me to do," Butler said of his performance. "I think the team brought me here for that reason, to help us win games. And I have to continue to do that for two more games."

Game six will be played on Sunday.