Wasps take on the Heat
After losing to the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat conceded the throne as number one in the East, but everyone knew that nothing could stop them except injuries. In this game, the Miami Heat will face the Charlotte Hornets away, which is the second game between the two teams in February, the last time they met, the Heat beat the Hornets, so this game, for the Hornets, is a battle of revenge. The Hornets have been in terrible shape lately, winning just one of their last nine games.
Even so, the Hornets can't be ignored, they still have the highest average of points per game, they are a young team, and the average number of rounds per game is also the first in the league. As for the Miami Heat, they are fourth-to-last in the league in terms of the number of rounds per game. So, as long as the Hornets can successfully speed up, then there is a chance to win this game.
Double extra time battle
At the beginning of the first quarter, although Butler did not score, Adebayor had 7 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists on 3-of-4 shooting, Lowry and Dunro each hit 2 three-pointers, and the team bombed 37 points in a single quarter, while the Hornets only scored 30 points, although they were behind, but the Heat had entered the rhythm of the Hornets. After returning from the second quarter, the Heat began to decline, after all, the age was there, the team only scored 10 points in a single quarter, the Hornets naturally would not let go of the opportunity, Oubre 5-of-7 shooting 14 points and 1 steal.
With Oubre's outburst, the Hornets managed to overtake the Heat by seven points at halftime, 54-47. In the second half, the two teams did not feel ideal, Butler did not score a point on 6-of-0 shooting, but Tucker had 7 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist, Lowry hit 2 three-pointers, and the team only scored 17 points, but the Hornets only scored 17 points, so the difference between the two teams was 7 points. After returning from the final quarter, the Heat continued to catch up, but the Hornets' new signing Harrell was always able to respond.
In the final quarter, although Ball delivered 5 assists, he did not score a point on 4-of-0 shooting, and Oubre also did not score on 3-of-0 shooting, but Harrell had 9 points and 3 rebounds on 6 shots and tied the score with a dunk in the final moment. Butler missed the last whistle shot, and the two teams drew 87-87 into extra time.
In overtime, Adebayo scored two free throws, Ball also made a foul, but only two free throws, but then Ball played a 2+1, Lowry immediately responded with three points, Bridges also had three points, Lowry hit a layup, and the two teams drew again. Ball drifted three-point misses, Lowry pulled out three-pointers, Washington quickly got two points, Lowry stepped on the line with three points, Harrell caused Adebayor to foul, two free throws and one hit to tie the score, the Heat still have 1.5 seconds to go. Butler's forced shot was blocked directly, and the two teams drew 97-97 into the second overtime.
Ball missed three points, Harrell scored, Dunroe hit a steady three-pointer, Lowry threw a score, Ball made six fouls, Butler scored a jump shot, Bridges scored 2+1, Butler responded with three points, Bridges also had three points, with only 25.4 seconds left, and the Heat led by 2 points. Lowry scored a layup, Oubre was capped with three points and then fouled, Dunroe made two free throws, Rozier missed three points, and Washington made a basket. In the end, the Miami Heat fought overtime, narrowly defeating the Charlotte Hornets 111-107.
Meet the best buddies
In such a big fight, the Miami Heat successfully won the game with Butler's key five points. In the whole game, Butler shot 5 of 24, 8 of 8 three-pointers, only 15 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 51 minutes of hard work. Adebayo and Tucker also scored 15 points, Dunroe had 21 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, and Lowry was the team's highest 25 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, when the team was in danger, he was always able to stand up, 6 of 11 from three points, 6 of 6 of double overtime with 10 points and 2 assists, I have to say that he is Butler's best partner.
The Hornets lost the game again, losing the ninth of the last 10 games, Bridges had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists, Washington had 15 points, 14 rebounds, Ball 14 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists, six fouls, only 9 of 9 three-pointers, and Rozier played 36 minutes with only 5 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. But the tacit understanding between Harrell and Ball on the bench is getting better and better, with 24 points and 8 rebounds on 9-of-16 shooting, and Oubre is 15 points and 4 rebounds.