The Heat won four times, in as many games, against the Hornets last year. This winning streak is still ongoing. Carried by their leader Jimmy Butlerthe Floridians quickly erased their initial disappointment against the Magic by winning in Charlotte (106-114).
A first victory in the season for Miami which was not easy, even if the visitors led the score for most of the time. At the break, taking advantage of a hitherto awful LaMelo Ball from 3-point range (2/10 on the match), the Heat were three possessions ahead (48-56).
Terry Rozier then scored a good pass in the following minutes against his former team to widen the gap a little further. Well found by Jimmy Butler in the corner, veteran Alec Burks scored a 3-pointer in the corner to give his team a 13-point lead (70-83).
This ten points in favor of the Heat remained relevant until “money time” was tighter than imagined. The fault of the unexpected awakening of Cody Martin behind the arc, who came to accompany the efforts of the man in form of the Hornets, LaMelo Ball. Three minutes from time, Charlotte was only three points behind (96-99).
While Jimmy Butler banged his fist on the table, Tre Mann showed himself to be well inspired by responding to him. But the Heat, who showed their collective form (33 assists for 40 baskets), were better armed this evening. Tyler Herro then Terry Rozier released two big winning shots to push Charlotte back for good.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The boss has spoken. Unrecognizable in the opening against the Magic, like his entire team, Jimmy Butler reacted last night. A complete and boss match during which he touched everything, to the point of failing a few units from the triple-double. He was especially decisive in the final. While Charlotte was getting dangerously close, the winger signed a big 3-point shot at the end of a poorly started possession 2 minutes 30 from the end. Jimmy Butler then converted a floater despite the foul, then did not break free throws in the final moments. Result: 13 of his 26 points scored in the fourth.
– Discreet debut for Tidjane Salaün. The Frenchman did not come into play during Charlotte's first two outings. He was allowed a little less than ten minutes last night. Occupying the right spaces in attack, he was often forgotten by his teammates. Result: only one shot attempted and missed, and not a point on the clock. His compatriot Moussa Diabaté contributed 5 points and 2 rebounds coming off the bench.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
