The Miami Heat scored an impressive victory over the Charlotte Hornets on a night where franchise icon Dwyane Wade was honored with a once-in-a-lifetime type of celebration.
Aside from watching the home team drub the struggling Hornets 104-87, the Heat crowd witnessed Dwyane Wade Hall-of-Fame Night, where Pat Riley announced to the entire world that the three-time NBA champion will be getting a statue outside of the Kaseya Center come the fall of 2024.
The present-day Heat made sure Wade’s evening would also be celebrated in triumph as they led wire-to-wire to win at home against a Southeast Division opponent for the 22nd straight time.
It was another impressive defensive output for Miami by limiting an opponent to below 100 points for the second straight game. After keeping playoff contender Orlando to just 96 points on 44% shooting two evenings prior, the Heat limited Charlotte at just 35% from the field in a contest where the visitors recorded only 31 points after two quarters of play.
Bam Adebayo’a All-Star campaign continued with an impressive 24-point, 10-rebound, and 7-assist performance. For the first time in his career the Heat big man recorded a double-double in five consecutive games. Adebayo also shot 9-of-17 from the field and 6-of-8 from the foul stripe.
Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson combined for 40 points and 7 three-pointers while Josh Richardson had 11 points in 19 minutes. Superb rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 15 points in the first period alone but didn’t return to the game after the halftime break due to a strained groin.
Overall, the Heat shot 49% from the field and 11-of-25 from downtown to win for the third time in their last 4 games. Miami, now 23-16 on the season, will have a solid opportunity to stack up more wins with three upcoming games against conference opponents below .500: Brooklyn and Toronto on the road, then against Atlanta at home.
The first of those upcoming games will be on Monday when the Heat head to Brooklyn – the Nets are 2-1 this season against the Heat – with there being of a chance of Jimmy Butler returning from his injuries.
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Great win on a great night for Heat legend DWade. Yes, a good stretch of games to stack up wins hopefully Heat win all before that Bos match up. JJJ can have a good recuperating time and i think we’ll see Jimmy vs Nets.