MIAMI, March 28 (Ticker) -- Caron Butler's late campaign for Rookie of the Year got in the way of the playoff push of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Butler had career highs of 35 points and seven assists as the Miami Heat roared back from an early 18-point deficit for a 111-84 victory over the Timberwolves that snapped a three-game slide.

NBA TV highlights from Wolves-Heat: 56k | 300k

The seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft, Butler appears to be the forgotten man in Rookie of the Year consideration. Many feel it is a two-man race between Houston center Yao Ming and Phoenix forward Amare Stoudemire, even though Butler's 15.2 points per game leads all rookies.

If the Timberwolves needed any convincing, Butler provided it. Repeatedly getting out in the open court, he made 15-of-22 shots and added four steals, sparking a pair of second-half surges that turned the game into a rout.

Miami appeared to be headed for its 12th loss in 14 games as it fell behind, 37-19, early in the second quarter. But reserves Eddie House and Mike James helped Butler dramatically turn things around over the final three quarters.

The Heat shot a season-high 62 percent (46-of-74) from the field, the highest mark allowed by the Timberwolves in their 14-year history.

Kevin Garnett scored a quiet 17 points for Minnesota (46-28), which could have clinched its seventh straight playoff berth with a win but. Instead, the Wolves looked like they were on vacation in Florida, losing games on consecutive nights.