The Miami Heat began their three game road trip as they made their first stop at the Spectrum Center against the Charlotte Hornets. In their last meeting, the Heat managed to knock off the Hornets on the home court. Heading into this game, the Heat look to even the regular season series with Charlotte and take back a playoff spot, while the Hornets look to take the season series and resume their playoff chase.
Goran Dragic and James Johnson, who made his first start for the Heat, got them on the board with a layup each, while Nic Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist got Charlotte on the board, tying the game at 4. The Heat would go on a six to nothing run, but Zeller would score for the Hornets, ending the run. With Miami leading 15 to 10, Rodney McGruder and Tyler Johnson would knock down a three-pointer each to keep Miami in the lead, but Kemba Walker would answer back with a three of his own. By the end of the first quarter, Miami lede 27 to 23.
Dragic would knock down a three-pointer to start the second quarter for Miami, while Frank Kaminsky would tie the game at 30 for Charlotte after making a bucket and a free throw. After a layup from Dragic, Tyler Johnson would make another three-pointer. Dragic would also score a pair of buckets as Miami led 39 to 33. The Hornets would go on a ten to two run, but a three-pointer from Josh Richardson would end it. After a three-point play from Batum, Dragic and James Johnson made a basket and a three-pointer for Miami. Marvin Williams would a hit a long three-pointer from half court to end the second quarter with the Heat leading 52 to 51.
In the third quarter, Miami went on a 14 to nothing run, until Batum would end it with a basket. Batum was the only Hornet making shots for the Hornets in the second half, until Kidd-Gilchrist and Lamb would make a basket each. By the end of the third quarter, Miami led 86 to 73.
Marvin Williams would make a three-pointer and a layup for the Hornets in the fourth quarter, but Miami came back with a dunk from Hassan Whiteside and another three-pointer from James Johnson. After two free throws from Batum, Miami answered back a pair of three-point plays from Whiteside and Richardson. With Miami leading 99 to 86, Josh Richardson, along with James and Tyler Johnson would make a three-pointer each, extending Miami’s lead. Miami would go on to win 112 to 99.
After dropping two losses, the Heat have regained possession of the eighth and final spot of the Eastern Conference Standings. Not only do the Heat get a much needed win, but they now own the tiebreaker with Charlotte, because of their record. The same can be said for the Heat’s tiebreaker with the Indiana Pacers.
What helped propel Miami to this win was their shooting. In their last two games, Miami had a hard time scoring, especially in the late stages of the game. Miami’s three-point shooting was also on high display, scoring 21 three-pointers, the most they’ve ever scored in a game since 2008 against the Washington Wizards.
Another factor that helped the Heat win was their defense and rebounding. Miami was lackadaisical in those departments during their last two games, but they got back on track, challenging the Hornets’ offense and battling for the boards. It should be also noted that James Johnson and Goran Dragic were the difference makers for the Heat.
”It’s part of his growth,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of Whiteside. ”Who knows what would’ve happened two years ago?”
For the Miami Heat, Goran Dragic led the way with 33 points, James Johnson with 26 points, Josh Richardson had 19 points, Tyler Johnson with 12 points and Hassan Whiteside with a double-double of 13 points and 20 rebounds.
For the Charlotte Hornets, Nicolas Batum had 24 points, Kemba Walker with 18 points, Frank Kaminsky with 13 points, and Marvin Williams with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The next game for the Heat is when they head north of the border to face the Toronto Raptors. Game starts Friday at 7:30pm and will be televised locally on Sun Sports and nationally on NBA League Pass.
The Heat Check Magazine 