Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler didn't return for the second half of Friday's 111-98 win against the New Orleans Pelicans due to right ankle stiffness, the team announced early in the third quarter.
He started the Christmas Day clash despite being previously listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain.
Heat forward Duncan Robinson tied an NBA Christmas Day record with seven triples as the club rode its hot outside shooting to hold off a second-half rally from the Pelicans.
Veteran Andre Iguodala started in Butler's place to begin the third quarter. Butler had four points, six boards, and five assists in 16 minutes of play during the first half.
