The Hornets’ season has been a rollercoaster of win-loss streaks, and tonight LaMelo Ball’s teammates suffered their fourth straight loss to Miami. A setback (104-86) which reflects their season with ups and downs, and even very low ones since they hit rock bottom when they returned from the locker room.
It was Miami who had the best start with a 9-0 signed by the Adebayo-Butler tandem to make a first break (25-18) at the end of the first quarter. Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry hit the mark from a distance, and the gap reached 10 points (38-28). But the Heat fall asleep, and Miles Bridges gets angry. Forgotten from the All-Star Game, he takes the match on his own, and everything goes. The Hornets sign a 14-2 to take control of the match, and at the break, Charlotte is in front (51-46).
Back from the locker room, 90 seconds are enough for Bam Adebayo and Kyle Lowry to overthrow the Hornets (53-51). The result will be a real disaster for the Hornets since they will only register 8 points in the quarter.
Opposite, the Heat rolls out and signs a 16-0 to take off (76-59). Charlotte is knocked out, and the gap flirts with 30 points at the start of the 4th quarter (91-64). On arrival, an easy victory for Miami against the Hornets who took two big hits on the head in two nights. James Borrego’s players are now 9th.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A one-sided 3rd Quarter. The Hornets just wanted to run, and the Heat gave them a basketball lesson in the 3rd quarter. A basketball lesson placed with movement and passes. Almost no dribbling to find the best shot. The Hornets’ defense isn’t in place, and Miami is rolling out their basketball. On the other side of the field, a mix between a zone and individual with PJ Tucker and Bam Adebayo who float a lot to block access to the racket. Result, 35-8 for Miami in this 3rd quarter!
– Confused on the bench. As the 4th quarter resumed, James Bouknight got up from the bench to attack James Borrego. Teammates hold him back, and finally, an assistant takes him to the locker room. He will not return to the bench. Perhaps he did not agree to play the last fourteen seconds of the 3rd quarter, and to be replaced in stride.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Jimmy Butler. The toughness of the Heat bursts the screen in defense, and Jimmy Butler is a “two-way player” of great quality. In attack, he does not force anything, and like his teammates, he always seeks the simplest and most effective shot. It’s a treat to watch, and his complicity with Kyle Lowry is promising.
✅ Bam Adebayo. He changes the entire Heat game with his very high screens and his positioning on pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop. His attacking game is reminiscent of that of Draymond Green, with the added ability to punish at mid-distance or on big dunks when he opens up in the circle. His 3rd quarter is remarkable, and he erases a more complicated first half.
⛔ The duo Hayward-Oubre Jr. There is some response in defense on the Miami side, and Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr. exploded on impact. The first signs an ugly 0 of 7 on shots, while the second is 3 of 15 on shots, including 1 of 9 from 3-pointers. Charlotte’s fullbacks have never been able to drive-and-kick cleanly due to Miami’s active hands. Result, Ball and Rozier forced a lot, and the outside shooters were not served in good conditions.
THE FOLLOWING
Charlotte (28-26): reception of the Raptors on Monday for a third game in four days.
Miami (34-20): traveling to Washington on Monday.
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