(Photo via NBA.com)
Following a tough road trip where the Miami Heat went just 1-3, they returned home for Friday’s game and responded against the visiting Charlotte Hornets. The final score was 126-108, improving Miami’s record back over the .500 mark at 5-4 overall.
The matchup started with a true tale of first quarters. The Heat came out scorching with their shooting, totaling a franchise record 53 total points in the opening period alone. They knocked down 10 triples in the quarter, and their revamped fast paced offense showed spurts of being unstoppable again. That was until they gave up a 27-2 run in the second quarter, allowing Charlotte to climb their way back into the game.
But Miami was able to contain the Hornets’ comeback attempt in the second half. They had a 32-20 fourth quarter advantage, where Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepped up to help close it out for the Heat in the clutch. Jaquez finished with an elite complete game of 18 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds in 8 of 15 shooting. It was an efficient, near triple-double outing off the bench for the third-year forward.
The Heat got plenty of contributions elsewhere. They had six of their nine-man rotation players score in double digits. Norman Powell led with a team best 25 points on 50% shooting. Andrew Wiggins helped support Powell’s efforts with the starters with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists of his own.
Andrew Wiggins has consistently been one of the best players for the Heat to begin the season.
He also brought great floor spacing, going 4 of 6 from 3-point range. Miami outscored the Hornets by 21 points in Wiggins’ minutes.
Pelle Larsson has continued to remain in his role as a starter, as he added 19 points on a near-perfect 8 of 11 from the field. The sophomore wing has had a truly impactful start to his season for coach Erik Spoelstra’s roster depth.
Kel’el Ware got the start at center in the absence of Bam Adebayo, who was seen in a walking boot sidelined on the bench after a toe sprain in the previous game. Ware did not take advantage of the opportunity, struggling with just 7 points on a rough shooting night of 3 of 13 overall— good for an abysmal 23%. Adebayo was in the ear of Ware on the bench for most of the night, although it has been clear that this has been a disappointing start to the season for the 7-footer.
However, it was great to see the Heat earn the win for Spoelstra, following the devastating fire that took place at his home on Thursday morning. It speaks volumes to Spoelstra’s character and leadership to still be on the sidelines coaching for his team with a smile on his face after such a difficult time for him. The players acknowledged postgame that this win was for Spo.
Miami finished the night shooting an impressive 52% as a team, along with 43% from deep. They limited themselves to just 8 turnovers compared to the Hornets’ 18, and held them to just 38% shooting overall. It was a truly dominant outing for the Heat on both ends of the floor with both of their two All-Star’s in Adebayo and Tyler Herro sidelined.
There will be another leg of a back-to-back set at home Saturday night versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
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Is it true, that Bam will be out 3 to 6 weeks?
Man, that’s not good.
I hope not, 🙏
I’ve seen that rumor, but don’t know if it’s true. I hope not.
It was awesome to see triple J struggle for the first part of the game to then turn in to the closer in the 4th. His mindset is what is different this year, along with health.
Niko seems to always have 2-3 wild shots close to the basket. It’s a combo of wild and forced. If he could clean those up he could be a 14-4-4 guy. He and JJJ have solid chemistry and is why even though he has struggled he is 5th in +/- on the team. Good things tend to happen when he is in the game. He needs to stop pressing and let it flow.
Portland will be tough on a B2B. Go HEAT!
I was wondering how good the Heat can be with Bam and Herro playing their best run and gun offense. The team definitely has depth and is only a good front court player away from being a solid playoff team.
Charlotte’s center is a second round pick rookie. There are several teams with young depth in the front court who might be willing to make a trade. The question is who does Miami need to give up?
I really like the work ethic, character and cohesiveness of the current team and would hate to see anyone go. Too bad Miami has traded away most of its second round picks for the next few years. I’m sure they could have picked up a solid rotation big in the 2025 draft. Larsson is a good example of the caliber of players available in the second round.
Riley has his work cut out for him. Hopefully, he can pull another rabbit out of his hat…soon.
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P.S. Is it just me or does it seem like Ware may be experiencing a “sophomore slump?”
Ware was terrible in first, second and third qt, but awesome in fourth. No slump here, just wild inconsistency.
Yeah, we needed that in the 4th and he delivered. No point in playing Goldin in the 4th and wasting a game while trying to play faster. It worked out this time, so good call to Spo.
Very good effort last night. They did what they were supposed to do against a weak opponent. Stronger teams are coming, after the Blazers. But, even Portland will be challenging, especially if Bam isn’t back.
Yes, Portland is good this year. I was hoping Jovic will become something like Avdija is this year. We will see tonight, where is the difference.