Even trailing by 20 points in this game, the Hornets did not give up and they believed they would succeed in the “hold-up” in the last minute against the Heat. But Tyler Herro (27 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) responded in the final moments to prevent LaMelo Ball (32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists), Tidjane Salaün (17 points, 3 interceptions) and others to win.
If the Heat started strong (14-2) thanks to the outside skill of Duncan Robinson, the Hornets quickly began to pick up thanks to award-winning baskets from LaMelo Ball coupled with the activity of the French pair, Tidjane Salaün – Moussa Diabaté , on second chance (26-26).
Vasilije Micic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. then respond off the bench and the gap does not change, until this 13-2 run by Miami, a symbol of newfound efficiency behind the line, which punishes this Charlotte team pushed to make mistakes (50-39).
Diabaté still as precious
As the Heat catches hot collectively at 3-points, the gap worsens after the break and the Hornets are unable to react because of their glaring clumsiness in shooting, despite Florida losing the ball or numerous offensive rebounds snatched by Moussa Diabaté (75-58).
By making stops and especially shots, with Brandon Miller and in particular LaMelo Ball, Charlotte is gradually eating up her delay in a room in full turmoil. After yet another rebound from Diabaté, Tidjane Salaün put his team in front in the last minute, except that Tyler Herro responded from afar before making an interception and free throws which sealed the victory for Miami (98-94). Even if Cody Martin also had two to equalize at 96 all… In vain.
TO REMEMBER
– Jimmy Butler “benched” in the fourth quarter ? We don't know if it was a strategic choice or a physical glitch, but the Heat All-Star did not come into play during the entire last act. Even when Erik Spoelstra saw the Hornets gradually pick up and then move ahead in the “money-time”. Given the winger's low statistical production (6 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 25 minutes…), it is possible that his lack of aggressiveness in attack is not unrelated to this decision. Unless it's because of this image where we saw him holding his back in the third quarter. Intriguing…
– Tyler “Super Herro”. Without Jimmy Butler, it was the Miami back who assumed his responsibilities in hot moments for the Florida franchise. Author of 10 points in the last five minutes and involved in his team's last five baskets, the 24-year-old was the only one capable of creating something for the Heat in attack. Above all, he raised his voice under pressure, between his 3-pointer to get back in front with 28 seconds remaining or his interception on the next possession.
– A record Tidjane Salaün and a very strong Moussa Diabaté. The hero of the evening on the Hornets side could have been French, but Tyler Herro decided otherwise. Before this one forced the decision, it was indeed Salaün on 3-points and Diabaté on the offensive rebound who had restored the advantage to Charlotte 42 seconds from the end, while LaMelo Ball's teammates were still at -17 at the start of the fourth quarter. Except that, even with half as many lost balls, four times as many offensive rebounds and 25 more shots, they could not avoid a third defeat in a row.
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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.
