Heat Lose Tough Home Opener Against Hornets

After two road games to start their 31st season, the Miami Heat were back home in the American Airlines Arena to host the Charlotte Hornets. Last season, the Heat claimed the regular season series over the Hornets. Justise Winslow, James Johnson, and Dion Waiters are still on the injury reserved list for Miami.

In the first quarter, things started off smoothly for Miami as Rodney McGruder, Hassan Whiteside, and Josh Richardson got them on the board, while Marvin Williams and Jeremy Lamb did the same for Charlotte. With Miami leading 12 to 4, Derrick Jones Jr. and Goran Dragic got themselves on the board for the Heat, but it would be Nic Batum (pronounced Bah-toom) and Kemba Walker, who became the Hornets all-time leading scorer,  would propel the Hornets on a 17 to 6 run. By the end of the first quarter, Charlotte led 34 to 29.

The Heat looked to right the ship in the second quarter, but the Hornets went on a complete tear, led by Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who put on a defensive effort throughout the first half. By the end of the second quarter, Charlotte led 72 to 52.

After an abysmal second quarter, Miami came storming back into the game as Wade, Jones Jr., Dragic, and McGruder took charge on offense, cutting Charlotte’s lead drastically. By the end of the third quarter, The Hornets led 92 to 82.

The Heat continued their rally as they went on a staggering 39-14 run, led by Bam Adebayo (pronounced Ah-de-buy-yo), Whiteside, Wade, and Dragic. Wade managed to tie the game at 112, but it would be a free throw plus an intentional miss from Walker that would spoil the Heat’s home opener fun with a 113 to 112 win.

For the Hornets, Kemba Walker led the way with 39 points, Malik Monk with 15 points, Marvin Williams made 13 points, Jeremy Lamb with 12 points, and Cody Zeller made 11 points.

For the Heat, Dwyane Wade had 21 points, Goran Dragic made 20 points, Derrick Jones Jr. and Bam Adebayo with 12 points each, plus Rodney McGruder and Hassan Whiteside in double-double figures. McGruder had 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Whiteside had 11 points and 15 rebounds.

The Heat remain home to face the New York Knicks. Game starts Wednesday at 7:30 and will be televised locally on Sun Sports.